Methods for improving TSH level and their effect in postoperative patients with differentiated thyroid cancer

A high level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is required to stimulate sufficient radioiodine uptake for diagnostic imaging or therapy. The current methods for improving TSH level include thyroid hormone withdrawal and recombinant human TSH. However, acute hypothyroidism caused by thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW) before radioactive iodine remnant ablation/treatment or diagnostic scanning significantly influences lipid metabolism, renal function, cardiovascular and neuropsychiatric diseases, and quality of life. This review aimed to summarize these methods and their effect on the clinical and quality of life in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer.