What is radioactive iodine therapy?
Radioactive iodine therapy is a radiopharmaceutical. It involves the use of radioactive isotopes — in this case, Iodine-131 (I-131) — to diagnose or treat disease. How is radioactive iodine therapy used?
What is radioiodine used for?
Radioiodine (Radioactive Iodine) Therapy Radioactive iodine (RAI) is treatment for overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and certain types of thyroid cancer.
What precautions should be taken with radioactive iodine therapy?
What precautions should be taken with radioactive iodine therapy? Women who are pregnant or nursing should not receive RAI therapy. Pregnancy should be delayed at least six to 12 months after RAI treatment for thyroid cancer. Breast feeding should be stopped at least six weeks before RAI and should not be resumed.
Why does radioactive iodine not destroy other cells in the body?
Because your thyroid gland concentrates and stores iodine in your body. So when you take radioactive iodine your body will automatically take it up and store it in the thyroid gland. This keeps the radioactivity from destroying other cells in your body and only allows for the destruction of your thyroid gland.
Is radioactive iodine hard on the kidneys?
The renal cast formation and tubular damage are evaluated by a pathologist in a blinded manner. Results: Ablative radioiodine-131 therapy induced renal tubular damage was significantly higher in the radioactive iodine fifth day group (RI-5) when compared with the Sham group (p=0.01) and Amifostine group (p=0.01).
Who should not take radioactive iodine?
Women who are pregnant or nursing should not receive RAI therapy. Pregnancy should be delayed at least six to 12 months after RAI treatment for thyroid cancer. Breast feeding should be stopped at least six weeks before RAI and should not be resumed.
What are the long term side effects of radioactive iodine?
Possible long term side effectsAbility to have children (fertility) Some women may have irregular periods after radioactive iodine treatment. ... Inflammation of the salivary glands (where spit is made) ... Tiredness. ... Dry or watery eyes. ... Lower levels of blood cells. ... Lung problems. ... Second cancers.
What is the most common complication of radioiodine therapy?
The most common adverse reaction to medical therapy was a rash in 8 patients, followed by neutropaenia (neutrophils < 1.0 × 109/L) in 6 patients. LFT derangement was reported in 3 patients taking PTU and 1 patient taking carbimazole.
Are there side effects from radioactive iodine treatment?
Short-term side effects of RAI treatment may include: Neck tenderness and swelling. Nausea and vomiting. Swelling and tenderness of the salivary glands.
What are the risks of radioactive iodine treatment?
Findings from a study of patients who received radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment for hyperthyroidism show an association between the dose of treatment and long-term risk of death from solid cancers, including breast cancer.
Which is better radioactive iodine or surgery?
Surgery for hyperthyroidism was associated with a lower risk of all-cause and cardiovascular death as compared to radioactive iodine therapy during long-term follow-up, particularly in men.
Do you gain weight after radioactive iodine treatment?
Treatment of hyperthyroidism with RAI or anti-thyroid medications is associated with an increased risk of gaining weight and even developing obesity. This risk is slightly higher with RAI therapy compared to medications.
Can radioactive iodine cause other cancers?
This new analysis concluded that radioactive iodine was associated with an increased risk for mortality from overall cancer, breast cancer, and non-breast solid cancers.
How long do you have to be in isolation after radioactive iodine?
You are also required to self isolate for 7 days after your radioiodine treatment in order to minimise the risk of contracting COVID-19 whilst there is still a large amount of radioactivity in your body. A small proportion of people with COVID-19 may become very unwell and require admission to hospital.
How successful is radioactive iodine treatment?
Conclusion: Radioactive iodine treatment is an effective modality for definitive treatment of hyperthyroidism with long-term cure approaching 80%.
How do I clean my house after radioactive iodine treatment?
The iodine-131 will wash out in the laundry. Vacuuming will pick up hair that is shed, which will have small amounts of radioactivity in it since our heads also sweat. The conservative approach would be to cover the chair with a sheet.
What is the radiation used for thyroid cancer?
The radiation dose used here is much stronger than the one used in radioiodine scans, which are described in Tests for Thyroid Cancer. This treatment can be used to ablate (destroy) any thyroid tissue not removed by surgery or to treat some types of thyroid cancer that have spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body.
How long should I take thyrotropin before RAI?
Another way is to get an injection (shot) of thyrotropin (Thyrogen), which can make withholding thyroid hormone for a long period of time unnecessary. This drug is given daily for 2 days, followed by RAI on the 3 rd day. Most doctors also recommend that you follow a low iodine diet for 1 or 2 weeks before treatment.
How to treat RAI?
For RAI therapy to be most effective, you must have a high level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH or thyrotropin) in the blood. This hormone is what makes thyroid tissue (and cancer cells) take up radioactive iodine. If your thyroid has been removed, there are a couple of ways to raise TSH levels before being treated with RAI: 1 One way is to stop taking thyroid hormone pills for several weeks. This causes very low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism), which makes the pituitary gland to release more TSH. This intentional hypothyroidism is temporary, but it often causes symptoms like tiredness, depression, weight gain, constipation, muscle aches, and reduced concentration. 2 Another way is to get an injection (shot) of thyrotropin (Thyrogen), which can make withholding thyroid hormone for a long period of time unnecessary. This drug is given daily for 2 days, followed by RAI on the 3 rd day.
How long after radiation therapy can you go home?
Depending on the dose of radioiodine used and where you are being treated, you might need to be in the hospital for a few days after treatment, staying in a special isolation room to prevent others from being exposed to radiation. Some people may not need to be hospitalized. Once you are allowed to go home after treatment, you will be given instructions on how to protect others from radiation exposure and how long you need to take these precautions. These instructions may vary slightly by treatment center. Be sure you understand the instructions before you leave the hospital.
What to do if you have any questions about the possible risks and benefits of your treatment?
Talk to your health care team if you have any questions about the possible risks and benefits of your treatment.
Can iodine therapy be used for thyroid cancer?
Discuss your risks and benefits of RAI therapy with your doctor. Radioactive iodine therapy cannot be used to treat anaplastic (undifferentiated) and medullary thyroid carcinomas because these types of cancer do not take up iodine.
Can you use rai for thyroid cancer?
Discuss your risks and benefits of RAI therapy with your doctor. Radioactive iodine therapy cannot be used to treat anaplastic (undifferentiated) and medullary thyroid carcinomas because these types of cancer do not take up iodine.
DOES RAI FOR THYROID IMAGING PROVIDE THE BEST RESULTS?
No special radiation precautions are necessary after a thyroid scan or RAIU using I-123. I-131 can also be used to take pictures of the thyroid gland, although it is rarely used due to the harmful effects it has on thyroid cells.
WHEN IS RAI USED FOR TREATMENT OF THYROID DISORDERS?
I-131 may occasionally cause mild pain in the neck that can be treated with aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen. The RAI treatment may take up to several months to have its effect. Frequently, the end result of RAI treatment of hyperthyroidism is hypothyroidism, which is treated by thyroid hormone replacement (see Hypothyroidism brochure ).
WHAT IS RADIOACTIVE IODINE (RAI)?
Iodine, in the form of iodide, is made into two radioactive forms of iodine that are commonly used in patients with thyroid diseases: I-123 ( harmless to thyroid cells) and I-131 ( destroys thyroid cells ). The radiation emitted by each of these forms of iodine can be detected from outside the patient to gain information about thyroid function and take pictures of the size and location of thyroid tissues. RAI is safe to use in individuals who have had allergic reactions to seafood or X-ray contrast agents, since the reaction is to the compound containing iodine, not the iodine itself. RAI is given by mouth in pill or liquid form.
WHAT ARE THE SPECIAL CONCERNS FOR WOMEN?
This protects the baby who would otherwise receive radioactive milk and the mother’s breasts which concentrat e RAI. Breastfeeding must be stopped at least 6 weeks before administration of I-131 treatment and should not be restarted after administration of RAI, but can be safely done after future pregnancies. Also, pregnancy should be put off until at least 6 – 12 months after I-131 RAI treatment since the ovaries are exposed to radiation after the treatment and to ensure that thyroid hormone levels are normal and stable prior to pregnancy. There is no clear evidence that RAI leads to infertility.
Why is iodine important for the thyroid gland?
Iodine is essential for proper function of the thyroid gland, which use s it to make the thyroid hormones. The thyroid is equipped with an active system or “pump” for moving iodine into its cells, where it is concentrated as iodide. The thyroid gland is the only tissue in the body that takes up and holds onto iodine.
What is the purpose of I-131?
THYROID CANCER – Large doses of I-131 are used to destroy thyroid cancer cells (see Thyroid Cancer brochure ). This is performed after the remaining thyroid cells ( including any cancer cells) are stimulated by raising TSH levels by either withdrawing the thyroid hormone pills or by treating with recombinant human TSH.
Is rai safe for thyroid?
In general, RAI is a safe and effective treatment for the thyroid disorders mentioned above. Hypothyroidism is a common side effect of RAI for hyperthyroidism and always seen after RAI for thyroid cancer. This is usually easily treated with thyroid hormone replacement (see Hypothyroidism brochure ). Some studies suggest a slight increase in thyroid cancers may be seen after RAI treatment for hyperthyroidism. Loss of taste and dry mouth due to salivary gland damage may be seen. The use of lemon drops, vitamin C or sour stimulation to potentially decrease the exposure of the salivary glands to RAI is controversial and should be discussed with your physician. Importantly, once you have been treated with RAI, regular medical follow-up is lifelong.
Is radioiodine used for kidney disease?
The prevalence of multinodular goitre and differentiated thyroid cancer increases significantly in patients with renal failure. However, radioiodine treatment in patients with severe chronic kidney disease gives rise to a number of difficulties. The only conclusions regarding this treatment thus far have been derived from single case studies. It seems that prospective controlled studies can contribute to the creation of standards for radioiodine treatment in patients with various stages of chronic kidney disease, while maintaining the safety of such treatment for both patients and medical staff. This review gives the response to the question how nowadays to treat the patients with severe chronic kidney disease with radioiodine.
Is kidney disease a problem?
Chronic kidney disease is an increasingly widespread problem. The progression of renal failure is associated with the development of various hormonal disorders, including those affecting the thyroid gland. The prevalence of multinodular goitre and differentiated thyroid cancer increases significantl …
What to do before RAI treatment?
Before you or any family members have RAI treatment, it is strongly recommended that you read up on post-RAI guidelines and speak with your healthcare providers about how they should be applied to you .
How to avoid radiation?
Here are some ways to minimize radiation risks to other people (and pets) after you have had RAI treatment: 1 Stay at least six feet away from other people, including members of the public, family members, and co-workers, for three to 11 days. This means avoiding public transportation, hotels, carpools, and in some cases, your workplace. 2 Sleep apart from adults by at least six feet (a separate bedroom is recommended) and avoid sexual activity. 3 Avoid sleeping in the same bed with a pregnant woman, infant, or child for a period of six to 23 days. According to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, infants and children should ideally stay outside the home for the recommended period. 1 4 To protect family pets, do not sleep with them for up to 21 days.
How to minimize radiation risks?
Keep Your Distance. Here are some ways to minimize radiation risks to other people (and pets) after you have had RAI treatment: Stay at least six feet away from other people, including members of the public, family members, and co-workers, for three to 11 days. This means avoiding public transportation, hotels, carpools, and in some cases, ...
How to dispose of a dish?
Use disposable dishes and place them in a specially marked plastic bag for disposal.
How long should a pregnant woman sleep in the same bed?
Avoid sleeping in the same bed with a pregnant woman, infant, or child for a period of six to 23 days. According to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, infants and children should ideally stay outside the home for the recommended period. 1
Can you hospitalize after a RAI?
It is not common in the United States to hospitalize patients after RAI, but if you are receiving a particularly high dosage of iodine 131 and have no way to protect children or babies, it may be an option. A Low-Iodine Diet Can Make Radioactive Iodine Treatment More Effective.
Is iodine used for Graves disease?
If radioactive iodine treatment (RAI) is recommended as part of your treatment for Graves’ disease, hyperthy roidism, or thyroid cancer, you will most likely be given it as an outpatient. Because the radioactive iodine used (known as iodine 131) may expose those around you to the effects of radiation (and theoretically negatively affect their thyroid glands), you will be given guidelines on how to prevent such exposure.
What Should You Expect?
One of the more surprising aspects of getting RAI done is the fact that you are quite literally radioactive after your procedure.
Why do people get radioactive iodine?
Most people who get radioactive iodine treatment do so because they are considered to be hyperthyroid ( sometimes people get RAI for thyroid cancer (5) but most people get it for hyperthyroidism).
What is radioactive iodine used for?
Radioactive iodine is a procedure that is often used to treat hyperthyroidism.
How long does iodine affect sperm count?
Important to men is the fact that radioactive iodine can cause short-term reductions in sperm count for up to 2 years after your procedure (8).
How long can you live after iodine treatment?
You can expect to live a fairly normal life after radioactive iodine treatment but your life will probably not be exactly as it was before your procedure. For most people, this means that you can expect to live at 80-90% of your 'normal'.
How long does it take for a RAI to fade?
The good news is that this radioactivity does fade over a short period of time (usually 5 to 7 days) but the bad news is that you need to stay under certain precautions during this time.
What happens if you destroy your thyroid gland?
And, if you destroy your thyroid gland, it turns out that that may have consequences on your metabolism. Anectodally, you've probably already heard stories about people gaining weight after their procedure.
What foods should I avoid with kidney disease?
Food originating from the ocean, including saltwater fish, shellfish and especially sea vegetables such as seaweed or kelp, are high in iodine and should be limited in the diet of those with kidney disease. Iodine may be added to breads or cereal, though the levels are normally low. Fruits and vegetable may also contain iodine, although the concentration varies widely with soil quality. Raw foods such as soy and cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage and broccoli contain chemicals called goitrogens that may prevent your intestines from absorbing iodine.
Why is iodine deficiency rare?
Iodine deficiency in the U.S. and other developed countries is rare, because iodine is added to table salt. According to the Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center, ...
What is the function of the kidneys?
Kidney Function. Gout and Iodine. Learn More. Your kidneys filter waste, including excess minerals such as iodine, from your blood, to produce urine. You have two kidneys that sit against your back, just below your rib cage. As your kidneys become unhealthy, they become less able to filter waste from your blood.
Why does my kidney stop working?
Diabetes, high blood pressure, poisons, trauma and other diseases can cause your kidneys to stop functioning at full capacity. Your kidneys filter waste, including excess minerals such as iodine, from your blood, to produce urine. As your kidneys become unhealthy, they become less able to filter waste from your blood.
What is the normal BMI?
A BMI between 18.5 and 25 is considered normal. More Info on BMI. 237. 237. Weight. 6′10″. 6′10″. Height. The primary function of iodine in your body is the production of thyroid hormones.
Is iodine bad for kidneys?
Over time, even smaller intake of iodine can lead to iodine toxicity when kidneys are unhealthy.
Can kidney disease cause iodine build up?
However, if your kidneys are unhealthy, iodine may build up in your body, resulting in iodine toxicity. People with kidney disease should avoid eating a diet high in iodine.
What if I was born with only one "working" kidney?
In general, most people with a single, healthy kidney have few problems . However, some long term problems have been seen in some people.
Can one transplanted kidney work as well as two?
Yes. Testing has shown that a transplanted kidney can also increase in size and function.
Can a person with one kidney participate in sports?
This recommendation applies to anyone with a single kidney, including people who were born with one kidney and people with a kidney transplant. Some doctors think it is best to avoid contact sports like football, boxing, hockey, soccer, martial arts, or wrestling.
Will I need to follow a special diet?
Most people with one healthy kidney do not need to follow a special diet. If you have a kidney transplant due to kidney disease or kidney failure, you may have some restrictions. If you have questions about your diet, talk to your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian.
How to protect kidneys from injury?
Wearing protective gear such as padded vests under clothing can help protect the kidney from injury during sports. This can help lessen the risk, but it won't take away the risk. Talk to your healthcare provider if you (or your child) want to join in contact sports. You should always think about the risks involved in any activity, and carefully consider whether the risks outweigh the benefits.
Why do people have only one kidney?
There are three main reasons why a person may have only one kidney: 1 A person may be born with only one kidney. This condition is called renal agenesis. Another condition, which is called kidney dysplasia, causes a person to be born with two kidneys, but only one of them works. Most people who are born without a kidney (or with only one working kidney) lead normal, healthy lives. 2 A person may have had one kidney removed during an operation in order to treat an injury or a disease like cancer. 3 A person may have donated one kidney to a person who needed a kidney transplant.
How long does it take for a kidney to die?
This usually takes 25 years or more to happen. There may also be a chance of having high blood pressure later in life. However, the loss in kidney function is usually very mild, and life span is normal. Most people with one kidney live healthy, normal lives with few problems.
How does dose response affect mortality?
The researchers observed positive dose–response relationships between the dose absorbed by an organ and mortality from cancer at that site. The relationship was statistically significant for female breast cancer, for which every 100 milligray (mGy) of dose led to a 12% increased relative risk of breast cancer mortality, and for all other solid tumors considered together, for which relative risk of mortality was increased by 5% per every 100 mGy.
What is RAI used for?
RAI, which has been used widely in the United States for the treatment of hyperthyroidism since the 1940s, is one of three commonly used treatments for hyperthyroidism. The other two are anti-thyroid drugs, which have been rising in popularity, and surgical treatment, which is used least often.
How many people have hyperthyroidism?
According to the researchers, in the United States, about 1.2% of the population has hyperthyroidism, and women are much more likely to develop the condition than men. Therefore, the findings for breast cancer mortality are particularly relevant for the large population of women treated for hyperthyroidism, Dr. Kitahara said.
What is the National Cancer Institute?
About the National Cancer Institute (NCI): NCI leads the National Cancer Program and NIH’s efforts to dramatically reduce the prevalence of cancer and improve the lives of cancer patients and their families, through research into prevention and cancer biology, the development of new interventions, and the training and mentoring of new researchers.
When was the thyrotoxicosis follow up study?
The new findings are from a long-term follow-up study of a large cohort of people with hyperthyroidism (mainly Graves’ disease) who were treated with radiation between 1946 and 1964 , the Cooperative Thyrotoxicosis Therapy Follow-up Study.
What is the NIH?
NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit nih.gov .
Is RAI good for breast cancer?
Findings from a study of patients who received radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment for hyperthyroidism show an association between the dose of treatment and long-term risk of death from solid cancers, including breast cancer. The study, led by researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, was published July 1, 2019 in JAMA Internal Medicine.