Thyroid Dysfunction from Treatments for Solid Organ Cancers

Abstract

In recent years, cancer care has been transformed by immune-based and targeted treatments. Although these treatments are effective against various solid organ malignancies, multiple adverse effects can occur, including thyroid dysfunction. In this review, the authors consider treatments for solid organ cancers that affect the thyroid, focusing on immune checkpoint inhibitors, kinase inhibitors, and radioactive iodine-conjugated treatments (I-131-metaiodobenzylguanidine). They discuss the mechanisms causing thyroid dysfunction, provide a framework for their diagnosis and management, and explore the association of thyroid dysfunction from these agents with patient survival.

Keywords: Hyperthyroidism; Hypothyroidism; Immune checkpoint inhibitors; Iodine-131-metaiodobenzylguanidine; Kinase inhibitors; Malignancy; Thyroid function tests; Thyrotoxicosis.