Immune-related disorders in patients with Thymic Epithelial Tumors: from pathogenesis to tailored interventions

Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are rare malignancies often associated with immunological disorders (IDs), including autoimmune diseases and paraneoplastic syndromes. Myasthenia gravis (MG) is the most frequently reported condition, although other IDs can manifest across various organ systems. This review aims to give an overview of the current knowledge on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and management of IDs associated with TETs, emphasizing their prognostic impact and challenges in clinical practice.

We performed a narrative review using PubMed and Embase databases to identify relevant literature published between January 1971 and October 2024. Keywords included "thymic epithelial tumors", "immunological disorders," "autoimmune diseases," and "paraneoplastic syndromes." Only peer-reviewed articles in English were included.

This review examines the association of TETs with the most frequent IDs, including MG, pure red cell aplasia, and Good's syndrome. The prognostic implications of IDs in TETs remain unclear, and the available literature presents conflicting data. While some studies suggest correlations with favourable outcomes, others fail to establish IDs as independent prognostic factors for recurrence-free survival (RFS) or overall survival (OS).

The management of TETs with associated IDs requires a multidisciplinary approach that integrates tumor-specific treatments and tailored interventions for immune-related disorders. Advances in understanding molecular mechanisms have shed light on their pathogenesis. Nevertheless, gaps persist regarding prognostic implications and long-term management. Future efforts should focus on identifying predictive biomarkers for immune complications, optimizing therapies, and enhancing international data collection to clarify the impact of IDs on patient outcomes.