Correlation between different levels of thyroid autoantibodies and immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated thyroid...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including thyroid dysfunction.
• Thyroid autoantibodies may play a role in the development of ICI-induced thyroid irAEs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between pre-treatment thyroid autoantibodies and the incidence of thyroid irAEs in cancer patients receiving ICIs.
• To identify risk factors for thyroid irAEs in patients treated with ICIs.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 316 cancer patients treated with ICIs.
• Patients were categorized into euthyroid and thyroid irAEs groups.
• Baseline thyroid hormone levels and autoantibodies (TPOAb, TRAb, TgAb) were measured and analyzed.

Main Results:

• Thyroid irAEs, including thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism, occurred in a significant portion of patients.
• Pre-treatment positivity for TPOAb and TRAb was significantly higher in the irAEs group compared to the euthyroid group (P < 0.001).
• Pre-treatment TRAb and TPOAb positivity were identified as significant risk factors for developing thyroid irAEs (OR > 6.9, P < 0.002).

Conclusions:

• Elevated baseline TPOAb and/or TRAb levels are associated with an increased risk of thyroid irAEs following ICI therapy.
• Screening for baseline thyroid autoantibodies is important for predicting and managing thyroid irAEs in patients undergoing ICI treatment.
• Close monitoring and proactive intervention are recommended for patients with pre-existing thyroid autoantibodies.