131I therapy for pediatric thyroid cancer

The treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer occurring in children and young adults remains controversial. Because the mortality rate associated with this disease is extremely low and recurrence can develop many years after primary therapy, it is impossible to perform randomized trials that answer therapeutic questions. In previous issues, the topic of thyroid cancer from the surgical perspective has been addressed. Herein the authors discuss the techniques and applicability of radioactive iodine therapy in the treatment of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. Topics included are indications for treatment as well as short- and long-term complications. A discussion of secondary malignancies is also provided.