Potential Risk Factors for Nivolumab-induced Thyroid Dysfunction

Background: Thyroid dysfunction is occasionally reported after the administration of nivolumab. We report on the incidence of and risk factors for nivolumab-induced thyroid dysfunction in patients with non-small lung cancer. Patients and Methods: A total of 82 patients who received nivolumab between January 2016 and December 2016 at the Kanagawa Cancer Center were included. Prior to nivolumab treatment, 72 patients had normal thyroid function. Results: Among the 72 patients with normal thyroid function prior to nivolumab treatment, the incidence of thyroid dysfunction was 19.5%. There were no significant differences between patients in whom thyroid dysfunction had occurred regarding sex, age, nivolumab dose, or thyroid function prior to nivolumab administration. However, the total number of doses of nivolumab was significantly greater in patients who developed thyroid dysfunction after nivolumab treatment (p=0.03). Conclusion: The total number of doses administered may be a risk factor for the development of thyroid dysfunction after nivolumab therapy.