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

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 ۱, ۲۰۲۴.Results: In the initial search of the relevant databases, ۳۲۸۸ articles were identified and transferred to the information management software (EndNote). A thorough analysis was conducted on a total of ۳۹ 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 ۴۰% of the cases. The findings indicate that radiation doses ranging from ۲۰ to ۴۰ Gray- particularly those exceeding ۳۶ 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.

کلیدواژه ها:

Thyroid gland ، Breast cancer ، Radiation therapy ، Radiation-induced damage ، Dose