[Role of radioactive iodine in the treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer: physiopathological basis, results, considerations from the viewpoint of radioprotection].

Postoperative radioiodine treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer occupies a well determined place in the treatment policy of this disease. When the external exposure rate (EER) was determined at 1 m from the patient, 72 h after the administration of the high 131-I dosis, respectively 34 and 56 patients among 80 treated cases presented, and require external help for their daily life (+/- 90% of all cases). This value could be considered as the selective limit in order to authorize them to leave the hospital when favorable socio-economical conditions exist at home.