[WWWI2]

#1059758

I am attempting remission. Barring that, I will have to choose between RAI and TT. I’m hesitant about RAI, despite the general claims that it is safe. I’m posting a news article about a study regarding early Thyroid cancer treatement with RAI. And while I know that the levels of RAI differ between Graves’ and thryoid cancer treatment, RAI is still being used. The following article, despite the differences between the levels, one would think, still pertain.

http://news.yahoo.com/study-finds-over-treatment-early-stage-thyroid-cancer-110042086.html

It begins:
According to a new study published by the Department of Surgery at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, thyroid cancer surgeons may be mistreating patients with additional radioactive iodine that isn’t completely necessary to ensure optimal results. Babak Larian, MD, FACS, and director of the center for Advanced Head & Neck Surgery in Los Angeles believes radioactive iodine should only be used in patients suffering from severe thyroid cancer and not for individuals considered low risk.

it then goes on to say “The study also found that radioactive iodine was not to blame for secondary cancers at the beginning of the research, but appeared relevant for 14 additional cancers per 10,000 patients each year. Aside from causing cancer, radioactive iodine can also do damage to other bodily tissues.”

This seems to be in direct conflict with many who say, there is minimal risk to RAI.

I am not trying to cause fear, but this is causing me concern. Anyone have thoughts on this?

Thanks.

WWWI

[Kimberly]

#1177319

Hello – This study is certainly something to keep in mind, but as you said, it’s also important to consider the fact that patients who are treated for thyroid cancer receive a much higher dose of RAI than patients who are being treated for hyperthyroidism.

This older thread includes three studies that were specific to hyperthyroidism. The larger study found no increased risk of death from cancer post-RAI, but the two smaller ones found a small increase of specific types of cancer:

(Note on links: if you click directly on the following link, you will need to use your browser’s “back” button to return to the boards after viewing, or you will have to log back in to the forum. As an alternative, you can right-click the link and open it in a new tab or new window).

http://gdatf.org/forum/topic/42443/

*All* three options have risks and benefits, so it’s definitely important to do your research, consult with your doctor, and make the decision that is right for you.

[Kimberly]

#1177320

Also – Keep in mind that the original link came from a *press release*. Although the MD appears to be credible, a press release is usually generated by someone trying to get business! Here is a link to the original research:

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cncr.26070/full

[WWWI2]

#1177321

Kimberly,

Sorry about posting a press release. I didn’t check thoroughly enough apparently. But thank you for posting the actual study.

I realize this is not the only disease out there but since it’s one that I have, it frustrates me that the methods of treatment are still so crude. Destroying a thyroid, which is not the source of the disease, since they apparently don’t know what the cause is, seems just wrong.

I think in the phases of grief, I’m in the anger one at the moment. I’m going to have to make a decision, all of which contain risk, for something I don’t want to happen. I realize in life there are lots of these choices, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.

Thanks for letting me vent.

WWWI

[Kimberly]

#1177322

WWWI2 wrote:

I realize this is not the only disease out there but since it’s one that I have, it frustrates me that the methods of treatment are still so crude. Destroying a thyroid, which is not the source of the disease, since they apparently don’t know what the cause is, seems just wrong.

Totally understand the need to vent!

Unfortunately, this is the state of affairs with nearly every autoimmune disease. Treatment options either focus on correcting damage that has already been done (insulin shots, kidney or liver transplant, etc.) or on suppressing the entire immune system with powerful drugs. The one exception that I am aware of is Celiac disease, where the treatment is life-long avoidance of gluten.

The GDATF is actually a co-sponsor of a briefing in Washington, DC tomorrow for congressional representatives and health aides. The event is being hosted by the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association.

(Note on links: if you click directly on the following link, you will need to use your browser’s “back” button to return to the boards after viewing, or you will have to log back in to the forum. As an alternative, you can right-click the link and open it in a new tab or new window).

http://womenandautoimmunity-eorg.eventbrite.com/

Hopefully, one day, we will have more research dollars, more awareness, and better treatments for all autoimmune diseases. But I know that doesn’t help much as you are faced with a difficult decision now!

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