Evaluation of thyroglobulin assay in the follow-up of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma

Serum thyroglobulic level are measured in 38 patients who had undergone thyroidectomy and 131I ablation for differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Of 32 patients with metastases and recurrences, HTg level are elevated (>11 μg/l) in 24 (75%) and there are abnormal 131I imaging in 19 (60%). Of the remaining patients with absence of thyroid cancer demonstrated by other clinical criteria, HTg level are below 11 μg/l. These results suggest that the serum HTg level are of considerable value but position in the use of HTg levels is not as a replacement for 131I imaging in monitoring the activity of thyroid cancer. Based on the study, however, the two methods can complement each other to achieve maximum sensitivity and reliability