RAI Treatment of Distant Metastasis of Thyroid Cancer / 대한갑상선학회지

ABSTRACT

For the distant metastasis of differentiated thyroid cancers, such as papillary thyroid carcinoma, follicular thyroid carcinoma, and Hurthle cell carcinoma, radioiodine therapy is one of the standard treatment methods after total thyroidectomy. Radioiodine is accumulated in thyroid cells and thyroid cancer cells through sodium iodide symporter which is located in the membrane of cells. This molecular target specific therapy renders a better prognosis and less adverse effects. Radioiodine 131I emits gamma ray for imaging and beta ray for treatment at the same time, we can monitor patients' specific distribution of radioiodine, which let us know unexpected metastasis lesions or differentiated status of thyroid cancer cells. In this article, I reviewed practical points of view about radioiodine therapy for distant metastasis of thyroid cancers such as methods for administration of radioiodine, patients' preparation before radioiodine treatment, follow up of patients, adverse effects, and radiation safety issues.