The effects of surgery, radioiodine, and external radiation therapy on the clinical outcome of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma

Abstract

The prognostic factors for differentiated thyroid carcinoma have been clearly identified. Initial total thyroid ablation with total thyroidectomy and radioiodine was associated with a lower rate of local relapse, although CSS was unaffected. Many patients at risk for local recurrence received postoperative RT, which did not significantly affect the risk of local relapse or CSS in the entire group. A beneficial effect of RT was demonstrated in the subgroup of patients with papillary tumors and microscopic residuum. Patients with postoperative macroscopic residual disease appeared to benefit from RT (with or without radioiodine). A Phase III trial involving patients at high risk for local recurrence is required to assess the potential benefit of RT.