Background: Poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (PDTC) is biologically more aggressive. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment. The utility of radioactive iodine (RAI) after surgery is unclear.
Methods: In this retrospective study, patients treated between Jan 2012 and Dec 2017 were included. The demographic, clinical and treatment-related details, including RAI ablation, were recorded and their survival analyzed.
Results: Thirty-five patients fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Majority was treatment naïve at presentation. All patients underwent surgery followed by RAI ablation, with a cumulative median dose of 220 mCi (range 40-1140). Sixteen patients received more than one radioiodine treatment for distant metastases. Incomplete resection, age > 45 years and the presence of distant metastasis influenced survival the most. The 3-year PFS of patients with PDTC was 69%.
Conclusion: All patients in our series showed uptake and responded to treatment. Further use of molecular markers and functional molecular imaging would better our understanding of this entity.
Keywords: Adjuvant therapy; Follow-up; Poorly differentiated thyroid cancer; Radioactive iodine treatment; Treatment outcomes.