THYROID DYSFUNCTION IN ONCOLOGY PATIENTS: ENDOCRINE CROSSTALK WITH CANCER THERAPIES

Abstract

Thyroid dysfunction has emerged as a significant and often underestimated consequence of cancer therapy, particularly in patients undergoing immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and radiotherapy. This multidisciplinary study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, patterns, and clinical implications of thyroid abnormalities in oncology patients, with a focus on those receiving checkpoint inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. A mixed-methods approach combining retrospective chart analysis, biomarker assessment, and patient-reported outcomes was employed to gather comprehensive data across multiple cancer centers. The results revealed a high incidence of therapy-induced thyroid disorders, with hypothyroidism accounting for the majority of cases, followed by transient thyrotoxicosis and subclinical thyroiditis. Female patients and those with pre-existing autoimmune conditions were disproportionately affected. Importantly, thyroid dysfunction was associated with decreased treatment adherence, prolonged hospital stays, and impaired quality of life metrics. Biomarker profiling indicated significant shifts in TSH, FT3, FT4, and anti-TPO antibody levels, correlating strongly with treatment type and duration. Graphical analysis through complex plots—including survival curves, scatter distributions, and hybrid models—further substantiated these associations and highlighted the prognostic value of early thyroid monitoring. Tables detailing drug-specific thyroid toxicity, demographic distributions, and biochemical trends enriched the clinical context. The findings emphasize the critical need for proactive thyroid surveillance and management strategies integrated into oncology care pathways. By bridging oncology and endocrinology, this study provides actionable insights to mitigate endocrine complications and improve overall treatment outcomes for cancer patients.