Iodine-131 (I-131) is a radiopharmaceutical used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including postoperative treatment of thyroid malignancies and hyperthyroidism. Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy primarily uses I-131 to exploit the thyroid gland’s affinity for iodine, delivering targeted radiation to destroy overactive thyroid tissue or residual cancer cells. RAI therapy is a highly effective postoperative modality for well-differentiated thyroid cancer, serving as either adjuvant therapy or treatment for known residual malignancies or metastases, as well as for the ablation of residual benign thyroid tissue. However, the therapy can cause short-term adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, neck tenderness, swelling, and sialadenitis, leading to dry mouth and altered taste. Long-term complications may include hypothyroidism, radiation-induced thyroiditis, secondary malignancies (although rare), and reproductive effects such as temporary infertility in men and menstrual irregularities in women. Other concerns include the exacerbation of thyroid eye disease in patients with Graves disease and potential radiation exposure to others, necessitating strict safety protocols. Despite the risks, RAI therapy remains a cornerstone in managing well-differentiated thyroid cancers and other specific thyroid disorders. In addition, it significantly improves patient prognosis when appropriately applied, underscoring the need for careful patient selection, thorough pretreatment evaluation, and vigilant posttreatment monitoring. This activity reviews indications for RAI therapy, covering thyroid gland anatomy and physiology, thyroid malignancies, indications and contraindications, patient preparation, and potential treatment complications. This activity provides guidance to healthcare professionals on collaborating within the team to identify patients requiring RAI therapy and administer the treatment effectively, thereby improving patient outcomes.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/140304
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.0 hours
Nursing: 1.0 hours
Pharmacy: 1.0 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABPATH - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABA - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABA)
ABIM - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Medical Knowledge (ABIM)
ABS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: Ambulatory/Outpatient, Endocrine, Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, General Surgery, Hospital Medicine, Internal Medicine