Role of Hypothyroidism in Onset and Survival in Cancers: Review of Literature

Various experimental and clinical studies have investigated the role of thyroid hormone in normal as well as cancer cells. It has been observed that the presence of or the induction of hypothyroidism negatively influence certain types of cancers. This is seen as reduction in the occurrence of cancers, slowing of cancer growth and lesser incidence of metastasis in many cases. Few studies also observed an increase in the overall survival rate in cancer patients having incidental hypothyroidism. There are however few types of cancers which are rather negatively influenced by hypothyroidism. More studies are required to confirm the above and to investigate whether controlled induction of hypothyroidism can by any ways be used for increased survival.