Thyroid Dose and Hypothyroidism as a Result of Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Malignancies and Brain Tumors in Iran

Purpose: Radiation Therapy has a fundamental role in the treatment of cancer. Achieving Tumor Control Probability (TCP), while avoiding normal tissue complication is the goal of this treatment modality. The sensitivity of the thyroid gland to radiation increases the risk of developing secondary thyroid cancer and hypothyroidism. Materials and Methods: The average dose to the thyroid from head and neck irradiation was measured using in vivo dosimetry (Thermolumincsence Dosimetry). The Radiotherapy technique was given using 6 MV x-rays from an Elekta compact linear accelerator and conformal technique delivered 1.8 to 2.0 Gy over 5 sequential days per week. Results: The average absorbed dose to the thyroid from head and neck radiotherapy was 4.4% of the prescription dose and from whole brain radiotherapy was 0.7% of the prescription dose. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels were determined in 30 patients before and after completion of radiation therapy. The average concentration of TSH increased from 0.88 +/- 0.55 (pre-radiotherapy) to 1.7 +/- 0.66 (post-radiotherapy), (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Thyroid absorbed dose was less than the threshold dose for patients who received radiotherapy to the head and neck based on thyroid function tests.