Thyroid dysfunction induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors and tumor progression during neoadjuvant therapy of non‑small cell lung cancer: A case report and literature review

Oncol Lett. 2023 Sep 29;26(5):496. doi: 10.3892/ol.2023.14083. eCollection 2023 Nov.

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have a demonstrable treatment response in patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, immune-related adverse events and tumor progression in patients administered ICIs are of great concern. The present case study is of a 59-year-old male with NSCLC (squamous, stage IIIA) who received neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy before surgery. The patient first developed hyperthyroidism and then hypothyroidism, indicating that ICI-related thyroid dysfunction had occurred. Furthermore, the patient suffered from tumor progression and could not undergo resection. The present case called attention to the prevention and management of irAEs, and the precaution that should be taken with regard to tumor progression. The case also suggested that the development of ICI-related thyroid dysfunction may not predict an improved response to ICI therapies, which needs further evidence to illustrate.

Keywords: NSCLC; irAEs; neoadjuvant therapy; thyroid dysfunction; tumor progression.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

Grants and funding

This study was funded by The Bethune Charitable Foundation of Pharmaceutical Research Capacity Building Project (grant no., B-19-H-20200622).