RADIOIODINE-INDUCED THYROID-CANCER - STUDIES IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE ACCIDENT AT CHERNOBYL

While a great deal is known about the relationship between external ra diation exposure and thyroid cancer, much less is known about the onco genic effects of internal radiation exposure from isotopes of iodine. The accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant released massive qua ntities of radioiodine isotopes into the atmosphere. The large number of ensuing thyroid cancers in exposed children leaves little doubt tha t these malignancies have occurred as a result of the accident. Howeve r; carefully planned epidemiological studies ave needed to confirm tha t these ave due predominantly, to I-131 exposure, to determine the dos e-response relationship, to monitor for continuing effects and to eval uate other contributing factors. Preliminary evidence indicates that t here is a distinct pattern of somatic genetic changes in the thyroid c ancers from the Chernobyl area.