Outpatient Radioiodine Therapy for Thyroid Cancer

• DOI: 10.1097/rlu.0b013e3182184fa0
• Publication Date: 2011-05-05T08:33:21Z
• Authors: José Willegaignon; Marcelo Sapienza; Carla Ono; Tomoco Watanabe; Maria Inês Guimarães; Ricardo Gutterres; Maria Helena Mare...; Carlos Buchpiguel
• Keywords: Radioiodine therapy

Purposes: To evaluate the dosimetric effect of outpatient radioiodine therapy for thyroid cancer in members a patient's family and their living environment, when using iodine-131 doses reaching 7.4 GBq. The following parameters were thus defined: (a) whole-body radiation to caregivers, (b) production contaminated solid waste, (c) potential surface contamination within patients' quarters. Methods: In total, 100 patients treated on an basis, taking into consideration acceptable conditions, interests, willingness comply with medical safety guidelines. Both caregivers dose potentiality inside residences monitored by thermoluminescent dosimeters. Surface wastes identified measured Geiger-Müller detector. Results: A total 90 individuals received mean 0.27 (±0.28) mSv, maximum registered was 1.6 mSv. value all quarters 0.31 (±0.34) per 5.58 Bq/cm2 1659 points measured. overall at low level, being about 3 times less than exemption level indicated International Atomic Energy Agency. Conclusions: This study indicates that treatment applying activities up GBq, is safe procedure, especially supervised qualified professionals. alternative should be topic careful discussion considering high reducing costs healthcare improving patient acceptance.