Work

Near-complete pathologic resolution of untreated papillary thyroid cancer after pembrolizumab-induced thyroiditis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized treatment for multiple cancers. However, research into the therapeutic potential of ICIs for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is sparse. We present a case of a 55-year-old woman with untreated papillary thyroid cancer who received pembrolizumab as part of treatment for her breast cancer and then developed pembrolizumab-induced destructive thyroiditis, leading to near-complete pathologic resolution of her thyroid cancer. This suggests therapeutic potential to use ICIs in patients with DTCs who are not candidates for standard therapies such as surgical resection, and as an additional agent for patients with advanced metastatic DTC.

Source: JCEM Case Reports

DOI: 10.1210/jcemcr/luag030

Authors: Margaret Locke, Sara Sternbach, Nagashree Seetharamu, Charit Taneja

Institutions: Northwell Health, Hofstra University, Donald & Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

Language: English

Topic: Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $930