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A Syngeneic Mouse Model of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma for Quantitative and Longitudinal Assessment of Preclinical Therapies
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A Syngeneic Mouse Model of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma for Quantitative and Longitudinal Assessment of Preclinical Therapies

Published on: April 12, 2017

Hypothyroidism in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with sunitinib

Brian I Rini1, Ila Tamaskar, Phillip Shaheen

  • 1Department of Solid Tumor Oncology, Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave., Desk R35, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. rinib2@ccf.org

Journal of the National Cancer Institute
|January 5, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Sunitinib treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma frequently causes hypothyroidism. Routine thyroid function monitoring is recommended for patients receiving sunitinib to manage potential side effects and improve outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Sunitinib is an anticancer drug targeting vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor receptors.
  • It demonstrates antitumor activity in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
  • Fatigue is a reported side effect of sunitinib therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence of thyroid function abnormalities in patients with mRCC treated with sunitinib.
  • To assess the relationship between these abnormalities and potential hypothyroidism symptoms.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Thyroid function tests were performed on patients undergoing sunitinib treatment for mRCC.
  • Thyroid function test results from 66 patients were analyzed.
  • Clinical signs and symptoms possibly related to hypothyroidism were recorded.

Main Results:

  • 85% of patients (56 out of 66) exhibited thyroid function abnormalities consistent with hypothyroidism.
  • 84% of those with abnormal thyroid function (47 out of 56) presented with related signs or symptoms.
  • Thyroid hormone replacement improved symptoms in 9 out of 17 treated patients.

Conclusions:

  • Thyroid function abnormalities are common in mRCC patients treated with sunitinib.
  • Routine thyroid function monitoring is warranted during sunitinib therapy.
  • Early detection and management of hypothyroidism may improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

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