Case Report of Graves' Disease in a 45-Year-Old Woman Secondary to Herceptin Treatment for Breast Cancer

Monoclon Antib Immunodiagn Immunother. 2023 Dec;42(6):194-202. doi: 10.1089/mab.2023.0011.

Abstract

Graves' disease is the most common cause of thyrotoxicosis and is characterized by ophthalmopathy with proptosis, chemosis, or conjunctival injection; pretibial myxedema; and thyroid acropachy. It is an autoimmune disease that can be genetic or influenced by coexisting environmental factors such as exposure to anticancer drugs, including immune checkpoint inhibitors. The incidence rate of breast cancer is increasing due to rising awareness of risk factors and screening for breast cancer, and the mortality rate is decreasing due to recent advances in cancer treatment. However, there are side effects that are attributed to these treatment modalities, manifesting in various forms in breast cancer survivors, which are reflected in the patient in this case study.

Keywords: Graves' disease; Herceptin; breast cancer; patient; thyroid antibodies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Breast Neoplasms* / complications
  • Breast Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Graves Disease* / complications
  • Graves Disease* / diagnosis
  • Graves Disease* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Myxedema* / complications
  • Myxedema* / therapy
  • Trastuzumab / adverse effects

Substances

  • Trastuzumab
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal