Thyroid and renal cancers: A bidirectional association

Abstract

There is a deep interrelation between the thyroid gland and the kidney parenchyma, with dysfunction of the first leading to significant changes in renal metabolism and vice versa. Given the recognition of cancer as a systemic disease, the raise of thyroid tumors and the common association of several malignancies, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and other, with an increased risk of kidney disease, public health alert for these conditions is warranted. A systematic review of the current evidence on the bidirectional relationship between thyroid and renal cancers was conducted including 18 studies, highlighting patient’s characteristics, histology, time for secondary malignancy to develop from the first diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. A total of 776 patients were identified; median age was 64 years (range: 7–76 years). Obesity and family history were identified as the most common risk factors, and genetic susceptibility was suggested with a potential strong association with Cowden syndrome. Controversy on chemo and radiotherapy effects was found, as not all patients were previously exposed to these treatments. Men were more likely to develop kidney cancer after a primary thyroid malignancy, with 423/776 (54%) experiencing renal disease secondarily. Median time after the first malignancy was 5.2 years (range: 0–20 years). With the advancement of current oncological therapy, the prognosis for thyroid cancer patients has improved, although there has been a corresponding rise in the incidence of multiple secondary malignancy within the same population, particularly concerning the kidney. Surgery can achieve disease-free survival, if surveillance follow-up allows for an early localized form, where radical treatment is recommended.

Concomitant clear cell renal cell carcinoma with osseous metaplasia and papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: a case report with literature review

“…Hence, the male sex is seen as a risk factor for the association of these cancers. Even though exposure to radiation is a well-known risk factor for cancer development in general and particularly for thyroid cancers, Bellini et al did not find any association between radiotherapy and the development of renal and thyroid cancers [17]. Our case did not have a history of radiation exposure.…”

“…They identified family history and obesity as common shared risk factors, and genetic susceptibility as a strong contributor to both cancers. They found that after a thyroid cancer, men were more likely to develop renal cancer [17]. According to a study by Van Fossen et al, female patients with thyroid cancer were nearly two times more likely to develop a subsequent renal carcinoma, and the risk was 4.5-folds in men.…”

Tumor-to-Tumor Spread: A Case Report and Literature Review of Renal Cell Carcinoma Metastasis into Thyroid Cancer

“…The thyroid gland and kidney have a well-known interrelationship. The thyroid gland is necessary for renal cell growth and maintenance of hydro-electrolyte homeostasis (9). On the other hand, the kidney is responsible for elimination of thyroid hormones and regulation of their serum levels.…”

“…Many factors connecting the thyroid gland and kidney have been studied to hypothesize why tumors spread preferentially between the two organ systems. Speci c risk factors include obesity, family history, male sex and increasing age and these are shown to increase the risk of both cancers (9).…”

Insights on the Association between Thyroid Diseases and Colorectal Cancer

“…Thyroid diseases (TDs) have been associated with the occurrence of a number of extra-thyroidal malignancies (EM), including colorectal cancers (CRCs) [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. These associations have generated a great interest based on the opportunity to detect possible shared congenital and environmental elements liable for diseases’ etiology and/or progression.…”