[Problems with radiation protection for adjuvant radiotherapy of thyroid cancer]

Ablative treatment of thyroid cancer with 131I is associated with the exposure to ionizing radiation of not only the target cells but also other cells and organs in the patient's body. Thermoluminescent dosimetry showed that the mean dose equivalent in ovaries equaled to several dozen mSv when the mean therapeutic dose was 2.8 GBq of 131I. In the treated young women the performed ovulation tests revealed no dysfunction of the ovaries. The highest dose equivalent in the clinic staff would not exceed 20 mSv per year. Accordingly, the dose equivalents to the public would not exceed the threshold limit of 1 mSv per year. In order to fulfill the requirements of regulations for disposal of radioactive waste and the necessity to store the waste for as long as 80 days it is obligatory to utilize setting tanks of very large capacity.