MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF THYROID DYSFUNCTION DURING COMBINED THERAPY OF BREAST CANCER
Azimova M. A.*, Nasirova Kh. K., Nishanov D. A., Bekmanov B. B., Kurbanov D. B.
ABSTRACT
Background: Breast cancer treatment is associated with systemic adverse effects, including thyroid dysfunction. Objective: To evaluate the impact of combined breast cancer therapy on thyroid function in relation to treatment intensity and tumor biology. Methods: A retrospective-prospective study included 136 breast cancer patients (standard therapy, n=62; intensified therapy, n=74) and 23 controls. Thyroid function (TSH, free T3, free T4, anti-TPO) and tumor markers (ER, PR, HER2, Ki-67) were analyzed. Results: Both treatment groups showed significant increases in TSH and decreases in free T3 and free T4 compared to controls (p<0.0001), consistent with subclinical hypothyroidism. Changes were more pronounced in the intensified therapy group (p<0.05). Anti-TPO levels were elevated, suggesting autoimmune involvement. Thyroid dysfunction was more frequent in patients with luminal B subtype and high Ki-67, while no association was found with tumor differentiation. Conclusion: Combined therapy for breast cancer is associated with treatment intensity–dependent thyroid dysfunction, influenced by tumor biological characteristics.
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