Tyrosine kinase inhibitor-associated thyroiditis

Abstract

Introduction: ever since the advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors, functional abnormalities of the thyroid gland have been described, with anywhere from 10-80% developing hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Case description: we present the case of a patient with a history of chronic myeloid leukemia who was treated with imatinib and then dasatinib, and developed hyperthyroidism. Having ruled out the most common etiologies, it was determined to be associated with the use of these medications. Symptom management was begun, with subsequent spontaneous resolution of the functional disorder.

Discussion: the increased risk of thyroid dysfunction in patients receiving cancer treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors must be recognized, proposing a strategy of systematically searching for these abnormalities in these patients.