[Therapy of the metastasizing adenocarcinoma of the thyroid gland using 131-I. Experiences with 103 patients from 1963 to 1977 (author's transl)].

Results of 131-I therapy in 103 patients with metastatic thyroid cancer are analyzed. Therapy included: elimination of the thyroid or residual thyroid in case of previous surgery by application of about 80 mCi of 131-I and hormone substitution. About two months later, the hormone substitution was stopped. exogenous thyrotropine wsa given and 150--300 mCi of 131-I were applicated. Two days later, the thyroid medication was reinstituted, and a week later, the patient was studied by scintigraphy and other measures. In case of an iodine-metabolizing tumorous tissue, further 131-I applications were given. In the patients with distant metastases, the ten-year survival rate is about 22%. Small masses of papillary cancer can be eradicated in the majority by means of 131-I, whereas large tumor masses (several 100 g), can not be eliminated by 131-I. In well-differentiated follicular cancer, the recovery rate obtained by 131-I is lower than in papillary cancer. Manifestations of follicular cancer with anaplastic parts, or follicular cancer with eosinophilic cells or Hürthle-cell cancers could not be eradicated by 131-I. Treatment-induced mortality lies between 2 and 3% and is acceptable in view of the recovery rate and the serious nature of the disease.