Radioiodine treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer despite history of ‘iodine allergy’

Abstract

Radioiodine ( 131 I) is a critical component in the treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer. We recently saw a patient with thyroid cancer who was hesitant to take 131 I treatment because he had previously encountered an allergic reaction to administration of iodine-containing radiocontrast agent for computed tomography (CT) scanning. We were able to administer 131 I treatment after discussion that his anaphylactic reaction was not due to iodine and that radioiodine ( 131 I) treatment is unlikely to cause a reaction in the patient.