From the Research
Carboplatin and etoposide are not typically associated with hyperthyroidism, though they can occasionally affect thyroid function, with a more common link to hypothyroidism rather than hyperthyroidism. These chemotherapy agents are used in various cancer treatments, including small cell lung cancer and neuroendocrine carcinomas, as seen in studies such as 1. Thyroid dysfunction is not considered a primary side effect of either medication but can occur as part of broader endocrine disruptions during cancer treatment.
Monitoring and Management
Patients receiving these drugs should have baseline thyroid function tests before starting treatment, with periodic monitoring throughout therapy, especially if symptoms of thyroid dysfunction develop. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism to watch for include unexplained weight loss, increased heart rate, anxiety, heat intolerance, and tremors. The mechanism by which these drugs might affect thyroid function is not fully understood but may involve inflammatory processes or immune system modulation, as suggested by various studies including 2 and 3.
Clinical Considerations
If thyroid abnormalities are detected during treatment, consultation with an endocrinologist is recommended while continuing cancer therapy, as thyroid dysfunction can usually be managed without discontinuing the chemotherapy regimen. The choice between oral and intravenous etoposide may depend on patient-specific factors and the specific cancer being treated, with studies like 1 indicating comparable efficacy and toxicity profiles for both administration routes in certain contexts.
Evidence Summary
The provided evidence, including studies from 4 to 1, does not directly link carboplatin and etoposide to hyperthyroidism but highlights their potential impact on thyroid function as part of broader endocrine effects. The most recent and highest quality study, 1, focuses on the combination of carboplatin with oral or intravenous etoposide for extra-pulmonary, poorly-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas, showing the regimen to be active, effective, and well-tolerated, without specific mention of hyperthyroidism as a side effect.