[Endocrine side effects of tumor treatment]

Johanna Braegelmann1, Dagmar Führer1, Susanne Tan2

  • 1Klinik für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie und Stoffwechsel, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universitätsmedizin Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147, Essen, Deutschland.

Insights

New cancer therapies like immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted treatments cause endocrine adverse events. Managing these side effects requires better clinical integration and interdisciplinary collaboration for improved patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Endocrinology
  • Immunology

Context:

  • Widespread use of novel cancer therapies necessitates understanding and managing their adverse events.
  • Endocrine immune-related adverse events (irAEs) occur in approximately 10% of patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI).
  • Targeted therapies (TKI, mTOR, PI3K inhibitors) can cause metabolic and thyroid dysfunction.

Purpose:

  • To highlight the growing challenge of endocrine adverse events (AEs) from modern cancer treatments.
  • To emphasize the need for systematic management strategies for these AEs in routine clinical practice.
  • To advocate for enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration between oncologists and endocrinologists.

Summary:

  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) can lead to endocrine immune-related adverse events (irAEs) due to loss of immune tolerance.
  • Targeted therapies, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), mTOR, and PI3K inhibitors, are associated with glucose metabolism disorders and thyroid dysfunction.
  • Endocrine side effects, such as bone health issues in breast and prostate cancer patients, require specialized management, particularly in childhood cancer survivors.

Impact:

  • Improved management of endocrine AEs can enhance long-term prognosis and quality of life for cancer patients.
  • Establishing systematic care guidelines for endocrine AEs is crucial for integrating new cancer therapies into routine practice.
  • Close interdisciplinary cooperation between oncologists, primary care physicians, endocrinologists, and diabetologists is essential for optimal patient care.

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