Effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors on thyroid function and thyroid hormone metabolism

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Endocrinology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Malignant cells utilize specific tyrosine kinases (TKs), particularly TK receptors (TKRs), in their growth and spread.
• TKRs, crucial for cell growth and angiogenesis, are often mutated or overexpressed in cancers, making them therapeutic targets.
• Targeted therapies like tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) block oncogenic TK pathways, inhibiting cancer progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and discuss the pathogenic mechanisms of thyroid dysfunction in patients treated with TKIs.
• To examine the effects of TKIs on thyroid hormone metabolism and function tests.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on TKIs and thyroid function.
• Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying TKI-induced thyroid-related adverse events.
• Discussion of clinical observations and biochemical changes in thyroid function tests.

Main Results:

• TKIs can lead to both hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis.
• Alterations in enzymes involved in thyroid hormone metabolism are observed during TKI treatment.
• The multitargeted inhibition mechanism of TKIs contributes to systemic adverse events, including thyroid dysfunction.

Conclusions:

• Thyroid dysfunction is a significant adverse event associated with TKI therapy.
• Understanding the mechanisms of TKI-induced thyroid dysfunction is crucial for patient management.
• Further research is needed to optimize TKI therapy and mitigate thyroid-related side effects.