Iranian Journal of Nuclear Medicine

Iranian Journal of Nuclear Medicine

Assessment of radiation-induced thyroid gland damage in breast cancer patients: A systematic review

Document Type : Systematic Review/Meta-analysis

Authors
Maliheh Dayani 1
Kazhal Veisi 2
Tinoosh Almasi 3
Nima Rostampour 3
1 Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
2 Preclinical Lab, Core Facility, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
3 Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
10.22034/irjnm.2025.129949.1668
Abstract
Introduction: The thyroid gland is known as particularly sensitive to radiation therapy. Numerous research studies have indicated that radiation treatment for breast cancer can expose this organ to significant levels of radiation. Hence, the primary objective of this study is to investigate the thyroid gland as a potential organ at risk following radiation therapy for breast cancer, utilizing a systematic review methodology.
Methods: In this systematic review, two independent reviewers conducted a comprehensive search identify relevant studies. The search included various electronic databases such as PubMed, WOS, Scopus, Embase, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. The search criteria encompassed articles published in English up until January 1, 2024.
Results: In the initial search of the relevant databases, 3288 articles were identified and transferred to the information management software (EndNote). A thorough analysis was conducted on a total of 39 studies with varying sample sizes. Among these studies, hypothyroidism was found to be the most common thyroid disorder following radiation therapy for breast cancer, accounting for 40% of the cases. The findings indicate that radiation doses ranging from 20 to 40 Gray- particularly those exceeding 36 Gray-can contribute to the development of hypothyroidism.
Conclusion: The research lightened the significant effect of radiation therapy on the thyroid gland. It is recommended to adopt improved techniques and protective measures to protect the thyroid during radiation treatment. Additionally, regular monitoring of breast cancer patients after radiation therapy is essential to better assess any potential dysfunction of the thyroid gland.
Keywords
Thyroid gland
Breast cancer
Radiation therapy
Radiation-induced damage
Dose
Subjects
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