Supersaturated potassium iodide solution is administered for therapy with which radiopharmaceutical?

The administration of supersaturated potassium iodide (SSKI) solution is particularly relevant in the context of using iodine-131 (I-131) for treating thyroid conditions, including thyroid cancer. When I-131 is used therapeutically, SSKI serves as a protective measure for the thyroid gland against any potential uptake of radioiodine from the environment or from the therapeutic dose itself.

By saturating the thyroid gland with non-radioactive iodine, SSKI effectively reduces its ability to absorb radioactive iodine, thereby minimizing radiation exposure to the thyroid. This is a crucial aspect of the treatment protocol when using I-131, especially to limit the risk of radiation-induced side effects.

In the context of the other options, they do not involve the administration of SSKI. Choices involving gallium-67, thallium-201, and yttrium-90 do not typically require or employ SSKI as a protective measure, as they do not localize to the thyroid or require similar protective strategies in the same way that I-131 does. Thus, the use of SSKI aligns perfectly with the therapeutic application of I-131, confirming its role in this specific radiopharmaceutical therapy.