thyrotropin alfa + iodine-131

Thyrotropin alfa + iodine-131 is a combination therapy used primarily in the management of well-differentiated thyroid cancer, especially after thyroidectomy. Thyrotropin alfa is a recombinant form of human thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) that binds to TSH receptor on residual thyroid cells or tissues, stimulating uptake of radioactive iodine. This enhances the effectiveness of radioiodine imaging and ablation by increasing iodine uptake in any remaining thyroid tissue or cancer cells[1][5][6]. Iodine-131 is a radioisotopic agent that emits beta and gamma radiation; it selectively accumulates in thyroid tissue due to natural iodine uptake mechanisms, leading to targeted destruction of remnant or malignant cells[8]. The combination allows for effective diagnostic evaluation (via stimulated thyroglobulin testing and imaging) as well as therapeutic ablation without requiring patients to undergo prolonged hypothyroidism from withdrawal of endogenous TSH stimulation[1][5][6][8].

Brand names

Thyrogen

Other names

thyroid stimulating hormone recombinant + sodium iodide I-131rhTSH + I-131