Prevalence and Analysis of Risk Factors for RAI-Refractory Thyroid Cancer Patients: A 5-Year Retrospective Analysis from a Single Institution in Indonesia

Authors

  • Syifa Azizah Putri Division of Surgical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
  • Monty Priosodewo Soemitro Division of Surgical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
  • Basuki Hidayat Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Theranostics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
  • Kharisma Perdani Kusumahstuti Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Theranostics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37275/bsm.v8i11.1116

Keywords:

Differentiated thyroid cancer, Indonesia, Radioactive iodine, RAI-refractory, Risk factors

Abstract

Background: Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy is a cornerstone in the management of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). However, a subset of patients develops RAI-refractory disease, characterized by the inability to concentrate radioiodine, leading to limited treatment options and a poorer prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and identify potential risk factors associated with RAI-refractory DTC in an Indonesian population.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients diagnosed with DTC and treated with RAI at a single tertiary care center in Indonesia between 2019 and 2023. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, tumor features, and treatment outcomes were collected. RAI-refractoriness was defined as the absence of iodine uptake on diagnostic whole-body scans after cumulative RAI activity of 600 mCi or more. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for RAI-refractoriness.

Results: A total of 194 patients with DTC were included in the study. The prevalence of RAI-refractoriness was 90%. The median age at diagnosis was 55 years (range 18-82), and 72% were female. Papillary thyroid carcinoma was the most common histological subtype (92%). In bivariate analysis, older age at diagnosis (p=0.02), male gender (p=0.04), and the presence of distant metastases at diagnosis (p<0.001) were significantly associated with RAI-refractoriness. In multivariate analysis, only the presence of distant metastases remained an independent predictor of RAI-refractoriness (odds ratio 3.8, 95% confidence interval 1.5-9.2, p=0.003).

Conclusion: RAI-refractoriness is a significant clinical challenge in the management of DTC, with a high prevalence observed in this Indonesian cohort. The presence of distant metastases at diagnosis emerged as a strong predictor of RAI-refractoriness. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of RAI-refractoriness and develop novel therapeutic strategies for this patient population.

Authors

  • Syifa Azizah Putri1*
  • Monty Priosodewo Soemitro1
  • Basuki Hidayat2
  • Kharisma Perdani Kusumahstuti2
  1. 1Division of Surgical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
  2. 2Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Theranostics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia

Corresponding author Syifa Azizah Putri — syfsyifaa@gmail.com

Article history

  1. Submitted
  2. Accepted
  3. Published

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Published

2024-08-12

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How to Cite

1.
Putri SA, Monty Priosodewo Soemitro, Basuki Hidayat, Kharisma Perdani Kusumahstuti. Prevalence and Analysis of Risk Factors for RAI-Refractory Thyroid Cancer Patients: A 5-Year Retrospective Analysis from a Single Institution in Indonesia. Bioscmed [Internet]. 2024 Aug. 12 [cited 2026 Aug. 12];8(11):5357-6. Available from: https://bioscmed.com/index.php/bsm/article/view/1116

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