Endocrine Adverse Events Induced by Cancer Treatments: The Role of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have revolutionized cancer therapy, substantially improving survival across a broad range of malignancies. However, these agents are associated with a unique profile of endocrine immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including thyroiditis, hypophysitis, adrenalitis, and pancreatitis, which differ significantly from the toxicities seen with conventional chemotherapy. These complications often arise unpredictably during treatment and may result in irreversible hormone deficiencies requiring lifelong replacement, underscoring the importance of early detection. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) has emerged as a valuable tool not only for oncologic staging and response assessment but also for detecting metabolic changes in endocrine organs. PET/CT can identify irAEs before the appearance of clinical symptoms or biochemical abnormalities. Emerging evidence suggests that the presence of endocrine irAEs identified by 18F-FDG PET/CT may correlate with improved treatment response and survival, possibly reflecting enhanced immune activation. This comprehensive review discusses the role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the early recognition of therapy-induced endocrine toxicities, facilitating timely intervention through hormone replacement or immunosuppressive therapy while minimizing unnecessary treatment interruptions. Effective integration of metabolic imaging with clinical and laboratory evaluation requires coordinated multidisciplinary collaboration among oncologists, endocrinologists, and nuclear medicine physicians to optimize outcomes and reduce endocrine-related morbidity in the era of precision oncology.