Column 13. Comments on RAI Therapy Including the Actual Situation in Japan

In Japan, the number of patients who undergo RAI therapy has been increasing annually, and the demand is increasing. However, the reality is that the number of operational beds has decreased. Thus, it is impossible to aggressively perform ablation after total thyroidectomy and the waiting time for RAI therapy is prolonged. However, the situation for RAI therapy is expected to improve with the availability of ablation using up to 30 mCi of RAI at outpatient clinics, which is soon to be approved.