Medical physics

Adjuvant

Thyroid cancer

External beam radiotherapy

Radiation therapy

Systematic review

Toxicity

Political science

Brachytherapy

Meta-analysis

Internal medicine

MEDLINE

Oncology

Medicine

Adjuvant radiotherapy

Thyroid

Tumori Journal

Background: Treatment for locally advanced differentiated thyroid cancer is surgery followed by radioiodine while the role of adjuvant external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is debated. Methods: The panel of the Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology developed a clinical recommendation on the addition of EBRT to radioiodine after surgery for locally advanced differentiated thyroid cancer by using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology and the Evidence to Decision framework. A systematic review with meta-analysis about this topic was conducted with a focus on outcome of benefits and toxicity. Results: Locoregional control was improved by EBRT while no considerable toxicity impact was reported. Conclusion: The panel judged uncertain the benefit/harms balance; final recommendation was conditional both for EBRT + radioiodine and radioiodine alone in the adjuvant setting.

Adjuvant radiotherapy and radioiodine treatment for locally advanced differentiated thyroid cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis