Has there been any new research on this? My father had his thyroid removed due to thyroid cancer and now has myeloma.
Thanks.
Forums
Re: Thyroid hormones and multiple myeloma
Hi,
Just to briefly recap my own situation, I had been without any myeloma problems from 2012 until September 2015 when I had my thyroid removed due to the usual enlargement and some nodules. The biopsy was clear (no malignancy) and I was immediately put on levothyroxine (Synthroid). Three weeks later my monthly blood test showed a small M-spike (monoclonal activity) in the Beta 2 zone. This increased every month and I am currently being treated with pomalidomide (Pomalyst), cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone (see my thread with information on my treatment experience).
I found the Israeli research mentioned at the beginning of this thread, which investigates a potential connection with T4, and I received advice to change from levothyroxine to Cynomel (liothyronine, Cytomel) 0.025 mg (25 mcg), which of course had to be approved by my French endocrinologist. This is a T3 hormone and has virtually eliminated the T4 from my blood tests whilst leaving TSH and T3 within normal ranges. The Cynomel does not present any problems, although I have gained a few kilograms since the thyroidectomy.
For me it is perhaps too much of a coincidence that this occurred so close to starting the use of levothyroxine, especially in view of the aforementioned research.
Kind regards,
Victor L
Just to briefly recap my own situation, I had been without any myeloma problems from 2012 until September 2015 when I had my thyroid removed due to the usual enlargement and some nodules. The biopsy was clear (no malignancy) and I was immediately put on levothyroxine (Synthroid). Three weeks later my monthly blood test showed a small M-spike (monoclonal activity) in the Beta 2 zone. This increased every month and I am currently being treated with pomalidomide (Pomalyst), cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone (see my thread with information on my treatment experience).
I found the Israeli research mentioned at the beginning of this thread, which investigates a potential connection with T4, and I received advice to change from levothyroxine to Cynomel (liothyronine, Cytomel) 0.025 mg (25 mcg), which of course had to be approved by my French endocrinologist. This is a T3 hormone and has virtually eliminated the T4 from my blood tests whilst leaving TSH and T3 within normal ranges. The Cynomel does not present any problems, although I have gained a few kilograms since the thyroidectomy.
For me it is perhaps too much of a coincidence that this occurred so close to starting the use of levothyroxine, especially in view of the aforementioned research.
Kind regards,
Victor L
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Victor L - Name: Victor L
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 58
Re: Thyroid hormones and multiple myeloma
Victor,
Thank you so much for your update. Has your M-spike been stable since changing your thyroid medication?
Thank you so much for your update. Has your M-spike been stable since changing your thyroid medication?
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nowwhat - Who do you know with myeloma?: dad
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2016
- Age at diagnosis: 64
Re: Thyroid hormones and multiple myeloma
Hi nowwhat,
To answer the question as to whether the change from levothyroxine to Cynomel has been beneficial, it is hard to say. I can imagine that the M-spike may have increased more rapidly, but it would be impossible to prove. My worry is that having my thyroid removed may have been the 'trigger,' and I felt that my best option was to eliminate the 'suspect' T4 hormone in the hope that this would help to restore stability.
The coming months will perhaps shed some light on this. It is also possible that the relapse would have arrived anyway, with or without the thyroid intervention, but I have doubts about this in view of the very credible research. I will let you know my result figures around Christmas time.
Best Wishes,
Victor L
To answer the question as to whether the change from levothyroxine to Cynomel has been beneficial, it is hard to say. I can imagine that the M-spike may have increased more rapidly, but it would be impossible to prove. My worry is that having my thyroid removed may have been the 'trigger,' and I felt that my best option was to eliminate the 'suspect' T4 hormone in the hope that this would help to restore stability.
The coming months will perhaps shed some light on this. It is also possible that the relapse would have arrived anyway, with or without the thyroid intervention, but I have doubts about this in view of the very credible research. I will let you know my result figures around Christmas time.
Best Wishes,
Victor L
-
Victor L - Name: Victor L
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 58
Re: Thyroid hormones and multiple myeloma
Hi Victor L,
Looking forward to your update!
Have there been any negative side affects of removing T4 from your body completely? I've read doctors in the U.S are hesitant to do such a thing.
Thanks!
Looking forward to your update!
Have there been any negative side affects of removing T4 from your body completely? I've read doctors in the U.S are hesitant to do such a thing.
Thanks!
-
nowwhat - Who do you know with myeloma?: dad
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2016
- Age at diagnosis: 64
Re: Thyroid hormones and multiple myeloma
Hi nowwhat,
In my personal and non-professional opinion, I did not notice anything significant during or after removing the T4 synthetic hormone. This was a choice which I discussed with my doctors. I presented them with copies of the research, and as Cynomel is also an approved product for patients who, for one reason or another, prefer not to use levothyroxine, there were no objections. I would appreciate any additional views or information.
Many thanks from Victor L.
In my personal and non-professional opinion, I did not notice anything significant during or after removing the T4 synthetic hormone. This was a choice which I discussed with my doctors. I presented them with copies of the research, and as Cynomel is also an approved product for patients who, for one reason or another, prefer not to use levothyroxine, there were no objections. I would appreciate any additional views or information.
Many thanks from Victor L.
-
Victor L - Name: Victor L
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 58