Endocrine manifestations of adult malignancy

Abstract

Endocrine manifestations of adult malignancy are well documented in various forms including ectopic production of hormones from non-endocrine organs (paraneoplastic syndromes), direct involvement of endocrine organs causing hormone imbalance, chronic long-term endocrine effects in cancer survivors and, more commonly, endocrine organ dysfunction secondary to newer and systemic anti-cancer therapies. Interestingly, some of these manifestations can pre-date the onset of cancer or be a presenting symptom of more advanced cancers, detected incidentally. Although most of these manifestations are not serious, they are occasionally life-threatening and can cause significant delays and complications for continuing cancer therapies. Awareness of these endocrine manifestations and early treatment is a very important part of supportive treatment in cancer patients. This review provides a brief overview of common endocrine conditions associated with adult malignancies and newer systemic anti-cancer therapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitor-related endocrinopathies.