Association between thyroid disorders and extra-thyroidal cancers, a review.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Oncology

Background:

• Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) have demonstrated complex roles in cancer development, acting as both tumor promoters and suppressors.
• Research indicates thyroid hormones influence key cancer processes like proliferation, apoptosis, invasiveness, and angiogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the relationship between thyroid hormone levels and cancer development.
• To identify specific cancer types sensitive to thyroid hormones and predict their response to axis-targeted therapies.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing research, including animal models and in vitro experiments.
• Analysis of non-genomic mechanisms, such as integrin αvβ3 activation by thyroid hormones.
• Examination of epidemiological data linking thyroid disorders to extra-thyroidal malignancies.

Main Results:

• Thyroid hormones T3 and T4 impact cancer cell behavior.
• Abnormal thyroid hormone levels correlate with elevated cancer incidence.
• Thyroid disorders are associated with increased risks of colon, breast, prostate, melanoma, and lung cancers.

Conclusions:

• Thyroid hormones play a significant role in cancer biology.
• Understanding thyroid hormone sensitivity in specific cancers may guide therapeutic strategies.
• Targeting the thyroid hormone axis could be a promising approach for certain malignancies.