Research progress on low iodine preparation for radioactive iodine therapy in differentiated thyroid carcinoma

Normal thyroid follicular epithelial cells and differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) cells have the unique ability to take up iodine under the stimulation of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) via a membrane-based sodium/iodide symporter (NIS). Depleting plasma iodine concentration and ensuring sufficient amount of 131I uptake into remnant or cancer cells serve as the basis for radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy. Knowledge of the importance of low iodine preparation contributes to RAI therapy for DTC patients. This review summarizes the optimal extent, duration and impact of low iodine preparation on outcomes of RAI therapy. Key words: Thyroid neoplasms; Radiotherapy; Iodine radioisotopes; Trends