Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
A Syngeneic Mouse Model of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma for Quantitative and Longitudinal Assessment of Preclinical Therapies
Published on: April 12, 2017
Sunitinib-induced autoimmune thyroiditis in a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma: a case report
T Babacan1, A Sevinc, E Akarsu
1Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Sihhiye Ankara, Turkey. mdbabacan@mynet.com
Abstract:
Sunitinib is an oral multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor that was newly approved by the FDA for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma and imatinib-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Although generally well tolerated, common side effects of sunitinib have been reported, with an important and well-recognized example being hypothyroidism. Although the exact mechanism of sunitinib-induced hypothyroidism is unclear, some authors have suggested sunitinib might induce hypothyroidism by the blockade of iodine uptake, destructive thyroiditis and inhibition of peroxidase activity. In these studies autoimmune-mediated hypothyroidism could not be demonstrated as an etiological factor. We herein report the case of a 71-year-old woman diagnosed as metastatic renal cell carcinoma with severe autoimmune hypothyroidism associated with sunitinib after 10 months of treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that shows sunitinib may induce autoimmune thyroiditis. Further clinical and experimental studies with larger patient groups are required to verify the findings of the present study. Routine monitoring of thyroid autoantibodies including antithyroglobulin and antithyroid peroxidase antibodies and thyroid ultrasonography are recommended during the treatment of sunitinib-induced hypothyroidism.
Insights
Sunitinib treatment for cancer can cause hypothyroidism. This case study suggests sunitinib may induce autoimmune thyroiditis, requiring monitoring of thyroid function and antibodies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
Background:
- Sunitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is FDA-approved for renal cell carcinoma and imatinib-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
- Hypothyroidism is a recognized side effect of sunitinib, though its mechanism remains unclear.
- Previous studies have not identified autoimmune factors in sunitinib-induced hypothyroidism.
Observation:
- A 71-year-old woman with metastatic renal cell carcinoma developed severe autoimmune hypothyroidism after 10 months of sunitinib treatment.
- The patient's condition was characterized by elevated thyroid autoantibodies, indicating an autoimmune response.
- No other etiological factors for hypothyroidism were identified.
Findings:
- This report presents the first evidence suggesting sunitinib may induce autoimmune thyroiditis.
- The findings indicate a potential autoimmune mechanism underlying sunitinib-induced hypothyroidism.
- Autoimmune-mediated hypothyroidism was demonstrated in this patient receiving sunitinib therapy.
Implications:
- Sunitinib may trigger autoimmune thyroiditis in susceptible individuals.
- Routine monitoring of thyroid autoantibodies (anti-thyroglobulin, anti-thyroid peroxidase) and thyroid ultrasonography is recommended during sunitinib treatment.
- Further research with larger patient cohorts is needed to confirm these findings and elucidate the precise mechanisms involved.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
01:26Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure