The role of 131I in the treatment and management of thyroid cancer

For individuals with thyroid cancer, the most common cause of mortality worldwide is recurrent, metastatic disease. Radioactive iodine (RAI) remains the cornerstone of treatment for these patients. The use of radioactive iodine ( 131 I) to treat thyroid cancer has evolved over the past 50 years. These modifications are a result of a greater understanding of the physicochemical properties of 131 I and new findings about the biology of iodine processing by thyroid cells. The therapeutic administration of 131 I for thyroid remnant ablation and metastases quantification necessitates an understanding of iodine clearance kinetics, 1 variables that can modify the residence time of 131 I within lesions, and the role of thyroid stimulating hormone in triggering the sodium-iodide symporter. Unfortunately, many thyroid cancer patients have tumours that no longer take up iodine and are therefore resistant to RAI, indicating a dismal prognosis. RAI-resistant (RAI-R) cancer cells are the result of the loss of thyroid differentiation characteristics, such as iodide absorption and organification. This review discusses the potential difficulties and adverse events linked with 131 I radionuclide therapy. 131 I will continue to be an important tool against metastatic thyroid cancer. Gaining a deeper understanding of its advantages and limitations, its role in the treatment, and its future function will enhance its scope and usefulness in treating thyroid carcinoma.