Fact 10: The Role of Radioactive Iodine in Treating Metastatic Thyroid Cancer
Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy plays a critical role in the management of metastatic thyroid cancer. This treatment takes advantage of a unique characteristic of thyroid cells – their ability to absorb iodine.
In RAI therapy, the patient ingests radioactive iodine, which is then taken up by thyroid cells (including cancer cells) throughout the body. The radioactivity destroys the cells that have absorbed the iodine, with minimal effects on other tissues.
However, RAI therapy’s effectiveness can vary depending on several factors, including the type of thyroid cancer, the extent of metastasis, and whether the cancer cells can still absorb iodine. For instance, differentiated thyroid cancers (papillary and follicular) usually respond well to RAI therapy, while others may not.
In recent years, there’s been significant progress in enhancing the efficacy of RAI therapy. Various methods are being explored to increase the uptake of radioactive iodine by cancer cells, thereby enhancing the therapy’s effectiveness.
While RAI therapy is a potent weapon against metastatic thyroid cancer, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. The comprehensive treatment of this disease often involves a combination of therapies, personalized to the patient’s specific condition and needs. The goal of treatment extends beyond just survival—it aims to preserve quality of life and minimize the side effects of therapy. (9)
