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Sunitinib (sutent)-induced thyrotoxicosis due to destructive thyroiditis: a case report
Jason E Faris1, Allan F Moore, Gilbert H Daniels
1Department of Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 15 Parkman Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Thyroid : Official Journal of the American Thyroid Association
|August 24, 2007
Summary
Sunitinib, a cancer drug, can cause destructive thyroiditis, leading to temporary overactive thyroid followed by underactive thyroid. This condition, known as hypothyroidism, appears linked to sunitinib treatment.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Destructive thyroiditis is a known side effect of various medications.
- Sunitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat renal cell carcinoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
Observation:
- A patient receiving sunitinib therapy developed symptoms consistent with destructive thyroiditis.
- The patient experienced transient overt thyrotoxicosis.
Findings:
- The patient subsequently developed hypothyroidism.
- The thyroid dysfunction was apparently related to sunitinib administration.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential adverse effect of sunitinib on thyroid function.
- Monitoring thyroid function in patients treated with sunitinib may be warranted.
- Understanding drug-induced thyroiditis is crucial for patient management in oncology.
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