Recombinant human TSH stimulation in radioiodine treatment of disseminated differentiated thyroid cancer - update of current and our own experiences

Abstract

Traditionally, for diagnostic and therapeutic application of radioiodine in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), a 4 to 6 week withdrawal of thyroid hormone was applied. Recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) was developed to provide TSH stimulation without withdrawal of thyroid hormone and associated morbidity. The results of rhTSH administration and endogenous TSH stimulation are equivalent in detecting recurrent DTC. At the present time rhTSH is approved as an adjunct for diagnostic procedures and thyroid ablation in patients with DTC. In addition, rhTSH has potential for use in facilitating the treatment of metastases in patients with DTC. In this review we have summarized our own experiences with rhTSH aided radioiodine therapy in patients with disseminated thyroid cancer. Generally, rhTSH was very well tolerated and treatment results were comparable to those achieved with thyroid hormone withdrawal.