Sunitinib Induced Hypothyroidisim _ is Thyroid Function Test Needed Preoperatively

Reported is a case of intra-operative management of a patient with recurrent renal cell carcinoma for partial nephrectomy with a chance diagnosis of hypothyroidism along-with abnormal thyroid function test. Sunitinib was identified as the causative agent. The mechanism of action as well as the side effects of sunitinib are also described. The use of levothyroxine via the Ryle’s tube in the event of nonavailability of intravenous T3 or T4 is also stressed upon. On the basis of retrospective and prospective studies the need of monitoring the thyroid function in patients on sunitinib is now clearly emphasized.