Selective Use of Radioiodine in Pediatric Thyroid Cancer—a Paradigm Shift

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Recent studies indicate that pediatric patients with low- to intermediate-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma can be treated effectively without radioiodine therapy.
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A study showed that 91% of pediatric patients treated without radioiodine were free of disease after a median follow-up of 5.5 years.
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Concerns over long-term safety and potential risks of leukemia and other cancers have led to decreased use of radioiodine in pediatric thyroid cancer.
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Pediatric thyroid cancer presents differently across age groups, with prepubertal patients often having more advanced disease than postpubertal patients.
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The shift towards selective use of radioiodine therapy allows for individualized management, improving outcomes while minimizing unnecessary risks.

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