Thyroid Dysfunction Caused by Second-Generation Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Background: Thyroid dysfunction is a well-known adverse effect of first-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), like sunitinib. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of second-generation TKIs on thyroid function. Methods: We retrospectively assessed the effect of the first-generation TKI imatinib and the second-generation TKI nilotinib and dasatinib on thyroid function tests in 73 Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph-positive) chronic myeloid leukemia patients. Results: Overall, 33 of 73 (45%) had one or more thyroid function test abnormalities during follow-up. Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism were found in 18 of 73 (25%) and 21 of 73 (29%) cases after a median of 6 and 22 weeks, respectively. In most patients (29 of 39, 74%) thyroid dysfunction was transient without clinical symptoms. Therapy of hypo-/hyperthyroidism was required in three patients. Thyroid dysfunction never resulted in the discontinuation of TKI therapy. Under treatment with imatinib, nilotinib, and dasatinib, thyro...