Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Thyroidal, Pancreatic, and Pituitary Dysfunction: Diagnostic Challenges in a Cancer Patient

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs)-induced endocrine immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are common, can appear concurrently, and can be overlooked due to their nonspecific presentation overlapping with cancer-related symptoms. We describe the case of a 47-year-old woman with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with combined ICPI therapy. She presented thyrotoxicosis right after starting therapy, evolving into overt primary hypothyroidism, after two months, followed by abrupt-onset diabetes mellitus and hypophysisits-related secondary adrenal insufficiency and central hypothyroidism, six months after starting ICPIs. This case illustrates the complexity of diagnosing and managing overlapping endocrine irAEs, and the importance of high clinical suspicion. Clinical manifestations were attributed to the cancer and diabetes diagnosis, delaying recognition of adrenal insufficiency. Central hypothyroidism was initially interpreted as iatrogenic thyrotoxicosis. Glucocorticoid supplementation worsened diabetes management. Clinical and biochemical follow-up is essential in patients with ICPIs. Prompt recognition is essential to avoid life-threatening complications and ensure optimal long-term management.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Acta Médica Portuguesa
Published
2025-11-28
DOI
https://doi.org/10.20344/amp.23752
Primary Topic
Cancer Immunotherapy and Biomarkers
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Thyroidal, Pancreatic, and Pituitary Dysfunction: Diagnostic Challenges in a Cancer Patient

Stephanie A. Santos, Ana Paula Santos, Raquel Calheiros, Isabel Inácio et al.
Acta Médica Portuguesa
Cancer Immunotherapy and Biomarkers
article

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Thyroidal, Pancreatic, and Pituitary Dysfunction: Diagnostic Challenges in a Cancer Patient

Stephanie A. Santos, Ana Paula Santos, Raquel Calheiros, Isabel Inácio, Joana Oliveira
article en

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs)-induced endocrine immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are common, can appear concurrently, and can be overlooked due to their nonspecific presentation overlapping with cancer-related symptoms. We describe the case of a 47-year-old woman with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with combined ICPI therapy. She presented thyrotoxicosis right after starting therapy, evolving into overt primary hypothyroidism, after two months, followed by abrupt-onset diabetes mellitus and hypophysisits-related secondary adrenal insufficiency and central hypothyroidism, six months after starting ICPIs. This case illustrates the complexity of diagnosing and managing overlapping endocrine irAEs, and the importance of high clinical suspicion. Clinical manifestations were attributed to the cancer and diabetes diagnosis, delaying recognition of adrenal insufficiency. Central hypothyroidism was initially interpreted as iatrogenic thyrotoxicosis. Glucocorticoid supplementation worsened diabetes management. Clinical and biochemical follow-up is essential in patients with ICPIs. Prompt recognition is essential to avoid life-threatening complications and ensure optimal long-term management.

Acta Médica Portuguesa
Instituto Português de Oncologia Francisco Gentil (PT)
Openalex Percentile: Top 48%
Cancer Immunotherapy and Biomarkers
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.