title: Effects of radioiodine treatment for differentiated thyroid cancer on testis function.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effects of radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) on testis function.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective longitudinal single-centre study was performed. A comprehensive andrological evaluation including hormonal assessment, semen analysis and scrotal ultrasound was undertaken in male patients undergoing RAI treatment for DTC.
  
  
  METHODS
  Hormonal assessment of FSH, LH, testosterone (T), sperm concentration and motility and testis volume were determined in 20 patients in basal conditions, 6 and 12 months after RAI. Results were analysed in the whole group of patients and then separately in those who received one single ablative treatment ('Single' group, n = 10) and those who received multiple treatments ('Multiple' group, n = 10).
  
  
  RESULTS
  In basal conditions, 3 of 20 (15%) patients had a reduced sperm count and belonged to the 'Multiple' group. After RAI, an increase of FSH (8·8 ± 1·2 UI/l vs 5·2 ± 1·2, P < 0·005) and a decrease in sperm concentration (28·8 ± 7·7 millions/ml vs 54·5 ± 7·1, P < 0·005) and testis volume (15·2 ± 3·1 vs 13·7 ± 0·8 ml, P < 0·005) occurred at 6 months in the whole group. One year after RAI, seven patients had oligozoospermia (five from the 'Multiple' group and two from the 'Single' group). Permanent impairment of one or more testis function parameters was observed in patients who underwent multiple RAI treatments: 50% for sperm count, 40% for FSH levels and testis volume and, respectively, in 20 and 10% of those who received one single RAI treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The single ablative RAI treatment in cancer patients is better tolerated respect multiple RAI treatments regard testis function. Multiple treatments for recurrent or metastatic disease may cause a permanent impairment of one or more parameters related to the reproductive potential of male patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal and Experimental Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, University of Pisa Medical School and Hospitals, Presidio di Cisanello, Pisa, Italy.
authors.forename: Domenico
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Canale
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ceccarelli
authors.forename: Carolina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Caglieresi
authors.forename: Agnese
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Moscatelli
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gavioli
authors.forename: Pierina
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Santini
authors.forename: Rossella
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Elisei
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vitti
mesh_terms: D018263:Adenocarcinoma, Follicular / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000532:radiotherapy; D000328:Adult; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000532:radiotherapy; D002291:Carcinoma, Papillary; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D009929:Organ Size; D055101:Semen Analysis; D013737:Testis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D000077273:Thyroid Cancer, Papillary; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D013739:Testosterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone