Radioiodine

What is it?

Radioiodine (RAI) treatment is a frequently applied and effective treatment for thyroid cancer. Iodine is mainly abosrbed by thyroid cells in the human body (because they need it for thyroid hormone production), so radioactive iodine will mainly end up in thyroid cells and thyroid cancer cells and cause them to die.

This principle works the same throughout the body, so any metastases will be counteracted this way too. However, radioiodine is not effective against thyroid cancer cells that are so malignant that they are no longer similar to the original thyroid cells and therefore cannot absorb iodine.

Centres and specialist areas

Integrated Cancer Centre in Ghent

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Latest publication date: 13/08/2024