A new South Korean study has found that patients with Graves’ disease (GD), an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid, may face a heightened risk of developing certain cancers. The nationwide retrospective cohort study, which analysed data from over 29,000 GD patients and 57,000 controls, reveals that individuals treated with antithyroid drugs (ATDs) have an increased risk of biliary tract, pancreatic, prostate, ovarian, and thyroid cancers compared to the general population.
The study reported a 41% higher risk of biliary and pancreatic cancers in GD patients, along with a 48% increased risk for prostate cancer and a 31% higher chance of ovarian cancer. The risk for thyroid cancer was significantly elevated, particularly in the first two years following a GD diagnosis, with hazard ratios as high as 19.35. Researchers believe that the increased incidence of thyroid cancer during this period could be attributed to increased surveillance due to GD diagnosis.
These cancer risks persisted even after a follow-up of more than five years, suggesting a lasting vulnerability in this patient group. Notably, the study excluded patients who received radioactive iodine therapy to rule out its potential impact on cancer risk.
The findings, based on South Korea’s National Health Information Database, offer valuable insights for clinicians and patients alike, emphasizing the need for careful long-term monitoring of cancer risks in individuals with Graves’ disease.
Helena Bradbury, EMJ
Reference
Lee JY et al. Cancer Risks of Patients with Graves’ Disease Who Received Antithyroid Drugs as Initial Treatment: A Nationwide Population-Based Analysis. Thyroid. 2024
