Abstract
Background:
Patients who have metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer (mDTC) frequently have negative diagnostic and/or post-therapy radioiodine scans. As a result, 131I therapy is frequently no longer considered a therapeutic option for these patients. However, with the knowledge of genomic alterations of patients with mDTC, the use of selected agents in specific patient groups may be used with the intention to re-establish 131I uptake (i.e., redifferentiation) and additional 131I therapy. The objectives of this narrative review are to present definitions of related terminology, a brief overview of the molecular mechanisms of redifferentiating agents, and a narrative review of the literature for redifferentiation in patients who have radioiodine refractory mDTC.
Summary:
We searched multiple electronic databases and reviewed the relevant English-language literature reported after 2010. Fourteen articles were included in this narrative review.
Conclusions:
Preliminary data suggest that select agents may offer potential for re-establishing 131I uptake in selected patients with radioiodine refractory mDTC (e.g., negative diagnostic and/or post-therapy radioiodine scans). These agents may also enhance uptake (e.g., uptake enhancement) in patients who have 131I uptake in mDTC on a diagnostic and/or post-therapy radioiodine scan. As a result, this may facilitate higher absorbed dose delivered (Gy (rad]) per 131I activity administered [GBq (mCi)]. This in turn may increase the likelihood of a better therapeutic effect for the planned administered 131I activity or a reduction in the originally planned administered 131I activity, while achieving the same intended therapeutic effect with potentially less untoward effects. Further studies are warranted to confirm these preliminary observations and to confirm acceptable subsequent 131I therapy responses after redifferentiation and/or uptake enhancement.
Introduction
Multiple authors have reported on re-establishment (i.e., redifferentiation) of radioiodine uptake in patients who have differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), have known or suspected metastatic disease, and are considered radioiodine refractory by the patient's management team. 1 –14 Figure 1 demonstrates an example. Redifferentiation is an exciting and potentially valuable management option for increasing the utility of 131I therapy in patients with progressive metastatic DTC that are classified as radioiodine refractory disease (e.g., negative diagnostic and/or post-therapy radioiodine scans).

The image on the left is a diagnostic PET scan performed after the administration of 124I and demonstrates no evidence of radioiodine avid metastatic DTC. Physiological activity such as in the blood pool, salivary glands, and GI track is present. The PET image on the right was performed in the same patient with 124I after pretreatment with selumetinib and demonstrates multiple areas of marked 124I uptake in metastases in the chest and neck. This is an excellent example of redifferentiation. 1 (Reproduced with permission from the author and the New England Journal of Medicine]. PET, positron emission tomography.
This article presents definitions of related terminology and a narrative review of the literature updating the previous reviews of Buffet et al., 15 Fugazzola et al., 16 Lamartina et al., 17 and Van Nostrand 18 regarding redifferentiation of the aforementioned patients. This review includes discussions of (1) the various genomic alterations; (2) a brief overview of their molecular mechanisms; (3) redifferentiating agents; (4) dose, frequency, and duration of administration of each redifferentiating agent; (5) results and safety of redifferentiation; and (6) reported efficacy of subsequent 131I therapies. Following these topics, we discuss selection of patients, reimbursement issues, and future studies.
Terminology
To communicate effectively and efficiently, it is essential to consistently use the same terminology, each with a consistent meaning. Terminology is important to consider for types of 131I therapy, the classifications of radioiodine refractory DTC, and the categories of redifferentiation.
Cooper et al. in the 2009 American Thyroid Association Guidelines 19 and Van Nostrand 20 proposed terminology for 131I therapies with further confirmation by the Martinique Working Group in 2019. 21 This included the definition of 131 I therapy and the definitions and objectives of remnant ablation, adjuvant treatment, and treatment of known metastatic disease of DTC. Specifically, 131 I therapy refers generically to all types of therapeutic administrations of 131I for DTC. Remnant ablation has the objective “... to destroy postoperatively residual presumably benign thyroid tissue to facilitate initial staging and follow-up studies (such as serum thyroglobulin [Tg] and radioactive iodine imaging).”
Adjuvant treatment has the objective “... to destroy subclinical tumor deposits that may or may not be present after surgical resection of all known primary tumor tissue and metastatic foci. The goals of adjuvant treatment are to improve disease specific survival, decrease recurrence rates, as well as to improve progression-free survival.” Treatment is to destroy “... known biochemical or structural disease and refers to the goal of destroying persistent or recurrent DTC foci with 131I in order to improve progression-free, disease specific, and overall survival.” 21 It is in the latter category of 131I therapy that the terminology for radioiodine refractory disease becomes important.
In regard to radioiodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer, Brose et al., 22 Schlumberger et al., 23 Tuttle and Sabra, 24 and Sacks and Braunstein 25 previously proposed and refined definitions of radioiodine refractory DTC Subsequently, Van Nostrand, 26 Giovanella and Van Nostrand, 27 and Jin et al. 28 discussed the limitations of these definitions, and Van Nostrand 26 has proposed that any classification systems should incorporate an understanding of the inherent limitations and enable qualitative estimates of the likelihood (high, intermediate, or low) that a patient's DTC is truly radioiodine refractory.
However, with the arrival of the ability to re-establish 131I uptake in selected patients who have DTC, the classification of a patient as radioiodine refractory has become even more problematic. No longer can the term radioiodine refractory connote that a patient will NEVER respond to an 131I therapy. As a result, Gulec has proposed the term radioiodine indifferent, and we propose other terms such as radioiodine indeterminate or radioiodine undetermined (S. Gulec, pers. comm.). Presently, a committee is addressing the variable classifications of radioiodine refractory DTC and will be addressing the terminology for radioiodine refractory and redifferentiation.
This committee is the International Committee on the Classifications of Radioiodine Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer established by the Martinique Working Group. The membership includes representatives appointed by various societies as well as additional selected individual members as noted in Supplementary Table S1. This committee includes nuclear medicine physicians, endocrinologists, oncologist, radiation oncologist, and a patient representative. Ultimately, the final terminology should clearly denote that the many factors and approaches that the patient's management team should consider before categorizing a patient as radioiodine refractory.
In regard to the term, redifferentiation, we submit that there are two categories of patients who may be considered for redifferentiation: (1) patients with negative diagnostic and/or post-therapy radioiodine scans, and (2) patients with visible uptake on a diagnostic and/or post-therapy radioiodine scans—although in the latter category, not all lesions potentially having uptake. Despite these two categories, we submit that the term, redifferentiation, typically has the connotation for the first category of patients.
As discussed later in this review, Rothenberg et al. 3 have shown clearly that a patient who has a positive diagnostic and/or post-therapy radioiodine scan can have visible uptake that is even greater with redifferentiation. Although this is redifferentiation, we believe we need a different term for this second category, and we propose the term, uptake enhancement. This will encourage us to start considering uptake enhancement as an additional management option in patients who already have visible uptake, heretofore not typically considered for redifferentiation.
Molecular Mechanism
Multiple authors, such as Landa et al. 29 and Aashiq et al., 30 have previously discussed the molecular basis of redifferentiating agents. Although not the objective of this review, the genetic alterations of the MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) pathway diminish the signaling of the sodium iodide symporter, which results in reduced radioiodine uptake. These genetic alterations may be potentially inhibited by drugs such as by dabrafenib and vemurafenib targeting BRAFV600E and trametinib targeting MEK, thereby potentially re-establishing radioiodine uptake. 29,30
Literature Search
The MedStar Health clinical medical librarian (L.H.) searched Medline, Embase, and Cochrane database for articles related to redifferentiation radioiodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer, with the details of the search terms described in Supplementary Table S2. In keeping with a narrative review, one author (D.V.N.) screened the identified relevant articles and selected the studies (including case reports, retrospective studies, and prospective studies that reported clinical attempts to redifferentiate radioiodine refractory DTC). No preclinical studies were included. Institutional Review Board review was not needed for a literature review.
Results of Narrative Literature Review
Fourteen articles reported on redifferentiation for eight genetic alterations, including on the utilization of seven different agents, alone or in combination. Table 1 notes the number of patients screened and evaluated followed by the generic alterations and results of redifferentiation. This includes three prospective clinical trials, one pilot clinical trial, four retrospective studies, and six articles reporting on only one or two cases. The largest studies included 20, 21, and 24 patients, respectively. In studies of eight or more patients, the rates of successful redifferentiation rate varied from 33% to 95%. However, the procedures and redifferentiation agents varied significantly (Table 2). Table 3 notes the number of patients whose tumors redifferentiated and were treated with 131I, followed by their therapeutic safety outcomes. The combined articles reported treatment of 101 patients after redifferentiation, and studies that treated at least 6 patients with 131I reported response rates from 33% to 100% (e.g., stable and partial response) (Table 3).
Study and Patient Characteristics
DTC, differentiated thyroid cancer; FDG, fluoro-deoxyglucose; PDTC, poorly differentiated thyroid cancer; RAI, radioactive iodine; SUV, standard uptake value.
Examples of Redifferentiation Procedures
PET, positron emission tomography.
Factors for Consideration in Future Redifferentiation Studies
FDA, Food and Drug Administration.
Bogsrud et al. 13 has presented a meeting abstract on one case in which the authors attempted redifferentiation twice and treated the patient with 131I twice. Four months after 6 weeks of treatment with dabrafenib followed by an 131I treatment, the patient had a response (e.g., Tg doubling time increased from 6 to 56 months and the added targeted tumor volume of the three lesions was reduced by 35%). However, after about 10 months, the target tumor lesions progressed, redifferentiation was repeated as was an 31 I therapy with the resultant Tg doubling time at 5 months increased from 8 to 52 months and the volume of the three lung lesions reduced 33%.
The patient subsequently had intercurrent heart failure and died. This case report demonstrates that a patient may undergo a second attempt with redifferentiation with a response. Huillard et al. 4 also redifferentiated and treated a patient with 131I twice with partial responses. However, the first treatment was after 7 months of continuous administration of vemurafenib and the second was after 3 months of continuous administration of dabrafenib. As a result, one is unable to determine whether the partial responses were due to redifferentiation, vemurafenib, dabrafenib, or a combination thereof.
Opinion on Clinical Practice Considerations
Overview
The literature on redifferentiation of patients with known or highly suspected metastatic DTC is subject to many limitations, as noted in Table 4. However, these initial reports suggest the potential promise of redifferentiation in selected patients with progressive metastatic radioiodine refractory DTC.
Limitations in the Evidence on Redifferentiation of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Selection of patients for consideration of redifferentiation
As noted earlier, the published literature is limited, and more studies are clearly warranted to further develop the indications for redifferentiation, possible subsequent 131I therapies, and subsequent 131I therapeutic responses. However, for facilities within the United States, we submit that presently there are at least four management approaches that one may consider for redifferentiation in patients with progressive metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer with or without negative diagnostic and/or post-therapy radioiodine scans.
Prospective study
Ideally, redifferentiation interventions should be offered in prospective studies. This not only encourages performance of prospective studies but also encourages patients to enter prospective studies resulting in acquiring faster and higher quality scientific data. However, at the time of this article submission, there are limited number of sites prospectively evaluating redifferentiation. As of October 2022, there were only several sites listed on clinical
“Right-To-Try” law in the United States
Even if one argues that redifferentiation should ideally be offered in a research trial, a relatively new “Right-To-Try” law in the United States may enable patients to use agents that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have not approved and are only available in a research trial. Brown et al. discussed the details of this law 32 ; however, and as noted by Van Nostrand, 33 this option may be difficult to implement.
Clinical use of an agent approved by the FDA for an unapproved FDA indication
In the United States, an agent approved by the FDA may be used for an unapproved FDA indication. Furthermore, most of these agents reported in this review are approved by the FDA for one or more indications—but none are approved for redifferentiation of progressive metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer. However, patients who have progressive metastatic DTC may be running out of therapeutic options, and may not have access to a prospective study on redifferentiation for that patient's specific genomic alteration.
As a result, we believe that redifferentiation may be considered as a clinical management option, offered to select patients with appropriate explanation. In consideration of this management option, the management team should consider many factors (Table 5), including the patient's preferences and values. Although Table 5 suggests that the patient should have one of the known genomic alterations noted in Table 1, there is a potential argument to consider redifferentiation when the patient has papillary thyroid cancer and the patient's genomic profile is not known because as many as 50% of such patients may have a BRAFV600E genetic alteration. 34
Factors to Consider in Redifferentiation and Possible Subsequent 131I Therapy of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Patients with radioiodine avid DTC
An additional category of patients to consider redifferentiation is patients who already have demonstrated the presence of radioiodine avid DTC with the objective of uptake enhancement. For any therapy, the objective is to maximize therapeutic outcome while minimizing side effects. For 131I therapy, one principal factor is maximizing absorbed dose delivered (Gy [rad]) per activity administered of 131I (MBq [mCi]). As demonstrated by Rothenberg et al., 3 all of his six patients had radioiodine avid disease that had significant uptake enhancement with the administration of dabrafenib. Hence, Rothenberg et al. 2,3 have clearly demonstrated that update enhancement is achievable in select patients, thereby theoretically increasing the absorbed dose delivered per administered activity of 131I.
However, we are not proposing this as a standard clinical practice. Rather, we propose further study, and a key factor to facilitate this potential therapeutic enhancement will be dosimetry, which must include at a minimum whole-body dosimetry and—preferably—lesional and salivary gland dosimetry. One of the values of lesional dosimetry is that although one may increase the Gys (rad) delivered to the metastases per administered activity, the administered activity may still not deliver enough absorbed dose to the tumor that equals or exceeds a predetermined amount of Gys (rad) required for a potentially successful outcome. Update enhancement is an additional exciting and potentially important management option.
Reimbursement
In our practice (in the United States), we experience minimal difficulties in the pursuit of cost reimbursement for the various agents that may be used for redifferentiation. However, this is more difficult for patients with radioiodine avid disease, and we believe that this will require studies demonstrating improved outcomes. Nevertheless, for patients with negative diagnostic and/or 131I post-therapy scans in whom we are pursuing redifferentiation, our initial approach is to have a discussion between our oncologist (I.V.) and the third party payer representative.
In brief, our justification for reimbursement of the FDA-approved agent(s) for a non-FDA-approved indication includes (1) a presentation of the patient's clinical situation of progressive multiple distant metastases, (2) an emphasis that the patient is running out of therapeutic options, (3) our consideration–but potential postponement–of using a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) (i.e., sorafenib or lenvatinib), (4) a summary of the planned use, rational, and evidence to date of the redifferentiation agent(s) that may be followed by an 131I therapy, (5) the cost for the administration of the agent(s) would be similar to the cost for the administration of a TKI for the same period of time (e.g., ½ to two times), and (6) if redifferentiation and 131I therapy are successful, the expense for the redifferentiating agent(s) would only be for ∼6 weeks rather than the continuous expense for the continued use of a TKI for many months.
In case of denial by the third-party payer in the United States, we have experienced excellent success in obtaining short-term access to the redifferentiating agent(s) for compassionate use at no cost to the patient, and none of the authors herein receive or have received any financial remuneration in any form from the pharmaceutical companies for this purpose.
Conclusion
Redifferentiation and uptake enhancement are extremely exciting, promising therapeutic strategies, with the former potentially available clinically in the management of selected patients who have progressive metastatic DTC. Of course, future studies are needed to confirm these preliminary observations and to confirm acceptable subsequent 131I therapeutic responses after redifferentiation and/or uptake enhancements. In addition, new advances create new questions and issues that we need to address to ensure optimal patient treatment (Supplementary Table S3).
Footnotes
Authors' Contributions
Conceptualization (lead), writing—original draft (lead), formal analysis (lead), and writing—review and editing (equal) by D.V.N. Conceptualization (supporting) and writing—review and editing (equal) by I.V. and K.D.B. Writing—review and editing (equal) by K.K. Methodology (lead for literature search) and writing—review and editing (equal) by L.H.
Financial Disclosures
None of the authors receive or have received any financial remuneration or incentives in any form for obtaining agents for redifferentiation for compassionate use.
Author Disclosure Statement
D.V.N. is consultant to and speaker for Jubilant Radiopharma. The other authors have no disclosures.
Funding Information
No competing financial interests exist.
Supplementary Material
Supplementary Table S1
Supplementary Table S2
Supplementary Table S3
