Previous studies have reported that pre-existing autoimmune diseases are associated with an increased risk of an irAE. However, whether a previous history of thyroid disease is associated with thyroid irAEs is unclear. Hence, we investigated the association between a previous history of thyroid disease and thyroid irAEs in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). From the medical records of our hospital, we retrospectively identified 89 patients with NSCLC who received programmed cell death protein-1/programmed cell death ligand-1 inhibitors from March 1, 2016, to June 30, 2019. Data regarding age, sex, body mass index, performance status, and factors associated with the development of thyroid irAEs were extracted from the medical records of our hospital. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the risk factors for thyroid irAEs. Furthermore, the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of two groups, including patients with thyroid irAEs and those without thyroid irAEs, were evaluated. Overall, 17 patients (19.1%) developed thyroid irAEs. Multivariable analysis revealed that a previous history of thyroid disease was significantly associated with thyroid irAEs (odds ratio = 22.0; 95% confidence interval = 2.1–238; p = 0.011). However, we found no significant difference in OS and PFS between the two groups. In conclusion, a previous history of thyroid disease could be a risk factor for thyroid irAEs. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of the history of thyroid disease can help identify the risk of developing thyroid irAEs in patients with NSCLC.

Keywords: immune-related adverse events, non-small cell lung cancer, programmed cell death protein-1, programmed cell death ligand-1, thyroid irAEs