Advances in functional imaging of differentiated thyroid cancer

The present review provides a description of recent advances in the field of functional imaging that takes advantage of the functional characteristics of thyroid neoplastic cells (such as radioiodine uptake and FDG uptake) and theragnostic approach of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Physical and biological characteristics of available radiopharmaceuticals and their use with state-of-the-art technologies for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of DTC patients are depicted. Radioactive iodine is used mostly with a therapeutic intent, while PET/CT with18F-FDG emerges as a useful tool in the diagnostic management and complements the use of radioactive iodine. Beyond 18 F-FDG PET/CT, other tracers including124I,18F-TFB and68Ga-PSMA, and new methods such as PET/MR, might offer new opportunities in selecting patients with DTC for specific imaging modal-ities or treatments.