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Low-, high-dose radioiodine comparable for thyroid remnant ablation success
Chinese adults with differentiated thyroid carcinoma can be effectively treated with low doses of radioiodine for thyroid remnant ablation, according to published findings, and low-dose radioiodine yielded results similar to those of higher doses of radioiodine.
Chao Ma, MD, PhD, of the department of nuclear medicine, Zin Hua Hospital, Shanghai Jao Tong University School of Medicine in China, and colleagues evaluated 278 Chinese adults with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (mean age, 44 years; 71.6% women) presenting to the department for radioiodine ablation, from 2013 to 2014, randomly assigned to a high-dose group of 3,700 MBq (n = 123) or low-dose group of 1,850 MBq (n = 155) for remnant ablation. Researchers sought to compare the effectiveness of each dose for remnant ablation. Follow-up was conducted at 6 to 9 months. All participants previously received a total or near-total thyroidectomy.
Initial ablation was successful in 84.2% of all participants; 82.6% in the low-dose group and 86.2% in the high-dose group, for no difference between the groups.
A second dose was needed in 17.4% of the low-dose group compared with 13.8% in the high-dose group. Researchers cited concerns about an initially positive scan or increase in serum thyroglobulin level at 6 to 9 months. However, no recurrences were observed in any participants at 2 to 3 years. There were also no differences between the groups for white cell count or hepatic and renal function at the 6- to 9-month follow-up.
“In China, a low-dose activity of 1,750 MBq is sufficient for thyroid remnant ablation compared to 3,700 MBq,” the researchers wrote. “This finding is consistent with the results of trials in Europe and other countries. Thus, the use of a low dose of radioiodine for thyroid remnant ablation will be an attractive option for the management of low-risk thyroid cancer that reduces the amount of whole-body irradiation and maintains the quality of life. The result may also be helpful to change the present situation that there are big differences in the dosages of radioiodine administered in different centers in China.” – by Amber Cox
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.