Effective High-Dose Radioactive Iodine Therapy for Thyroid Cancer

December 31, 2025

Clinical Background and Presentation

A 39-year-old woman from Howrah visited Desun Hospital after a thyroid surgery performed elsewhere for papillary thyroid carcinoma. Although the tumour had been removed, she required Radioactive Iodine (RAI) Therapy to eliminate any remaining thyroid tissue and microscopic cancer cells, an essential step to prevent recurrence. She was referred to the Nuclear Medicine unit at Desun, home to a specialised 4-bedded Iodine Therapy Unit, including separate high-dose and low-dose isolation rooms designed to maintain radiation safety for patients and healthcare staff.  

Pre-Therapy Assessment and Preparation

Before administering RAI, the team conducted baseline assessments: thyroid function tests, serum thyroglobulin, renal function, and a whole-body iodine scan to evaluate residual tissue. The patient was counselled on low-iodine diet requirements, radiation precautions, and the treatment schedule. A low-iodine diet was initiated two weeks prior, helping maximise RAI uptake by any remaining thyroid cells. She was placed in a monitored isolation room in the high-dose unit to ensure optimal therapy conditions.  

Administration of High-Dose Iodine Therapy

The Nuclear Medicine team administered a calculated dose of high-dose radioactive iodine (I-131), personalised based on surgery details, residual tissue, and tumour risk category. The dose was given orally in a shielded environment by trained nuclear medicine professionals. Following ingestion, the patient was monitored round-the-clock for radiation clearance, hydration status, and potential side effects such as nausea or neck discomfort. Access to the room was controlled, and communication was maintained through intercom systems to ensure both safety and psychological comfort.

Strict radiation safety protocols, including lead shielding, waste disposal standards, and staff monitoring, ensures complete compliance with regulatory norms. Desun’s newly achieved JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation, the global gold standard in patent safety and quality care, further fortified the Nuclear Medicine unit’s adherence to the highest international standards of radiation safety, patient monitoring, and controlled isolation. At every step, from dose calculation to radiation waste management and patient shielding, Desun complies with globally validated protocols, ensuring both safety and therapeutic accuracy.  

Post-Therapy Scanning and Symptom Management

Three days post-therapy, a whole-body RAI scan was performed to confirm successful uptake and evaluate if any distant metastases existed. The scan showed uptake confined to the thyroid bed with no evidence of spread. Mild transient throat soreness was managed conservatively. The patient tolerated therapy well and was discharged once radiation levels dropped to the permissible threshold.  

Long-Term Follow-Up and Outcome

Over the next year, the patient underwent periodic thyroglobulin testing, ultrasound evaluations, and endocrinology reviews at Desun. Her tumour marker remained undetectable—a strong indicator of remission. She returned to her normal routine, resumed work, and continued lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy, supervised by Desun’s endocrinologists.  

Clinical Significance and Institutional Strength

This case exemplifies how Desun Hospital’s advanced nuclear medicine capabilities—especially its specialised iodine therapy unit with high-dose isolation rooms—enable safe, effective treatment of thyroid cancer. The combination of accurate dosing, strict radiation protocols, multidisciplinary supervision, and patient-centred care ensured an excellent clinical outcome. The patient remains disease-free and leads a normal life, reaffirming Desun’s position as a regional leader in evidence-based thyroid oncology and nuclear medicine therapy.