Abstract

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare form of thyroid cancer that requires a comprehensive management approach. Nuclear medicine plays a critical role in the diagnosis, staging, treatment, and follow-up of MTC. This article provides an updated perspective on the applications of nuclear medicine approaches in the management of MTC.Diagnostic techniques such as thyroid scintigraphy, positron emission tomography (PET), and molecular imaging with somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS) aid in accurate diagnosis and staging of MTC, enabling appropriate treatment planning. Additionally, nuclear medicine techniques facilitate the measurement of biomarkers like calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen, aiding in prognostication and treatment response assessment. Targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) has emerged as a promising treatment option, delivering localized radiation therapy to MTC cells usingradiolabeled compounds. Furthermore, nuclear medicine modalities contribute to post-treatment monitoring, detecting recurrence or metastases. Continued advancements in nuclear medicine imaging and targeted therapies hold great potential in improving the precision and effectiveness of MTC management. Collaboration between clinicians, nuclear medicine specialists, and researchers is essential for optimizing nuclear medicine’s role in MTC and enhancing patient outcomes in this complex malignancy.