Abstract
BACKGROUND
Currently, immunotherapy is part of the therapeutic arsenal for oncological treatment. Indeed, the need for new medications has led to the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Despite favourable oncological outcomes, these treatments have been associated with immune-related adverse events. Although infrequent, neurological toxicities have been reported. Early recognition is crucial for improvement of functional outcome and requires a multidisciplinary approach.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a case series of patients with neurological complications related to checkpoint inhibitors.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We identified six oncological patients who presented immunomediated neurological complications, derived from the use of checkpoints inhibitors. Five cases were men. Ages ranged from 58 to 73 years. Nivolumab, alone or combined, was the most commonly associated drug (4/6). Underlying diseases included lung carcinoma (2/6), melanoma (2/6), renal carcinoma (1/6) and ovarian adenocarcinoma (1/6). An acute demyelinating sensory-motor polyneuropathy and an acute axonal sensory polyneuropathy were documented in two and one case, respectively. In these, the cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed albuminocytologic dissociation. All three cases improved after treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins (0.4 g/Kg a day for five days). The latter and another case were diagnosed of aseptic meningitis after cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytic pleocytosis was found. High fever was also associated with lower extremities areflexia, weakness and ataxia. Methylprednisolone (1g/day for five days) was administered. One case of necrotizing inflammatory myositis with high levels of creatine kinasa, confirmed by muscular biopsy, involving cervical weakness and ptosis, was effectively treated with Methylprednisolone (1g/day for five days) follow by oral prednisone tapering. An anti-Yo related pancerebellar syndrome was the only case with a fatal outcome despite treatment.
CONCLUSION
The increasingly frequent use of immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer may lead to an increase in neurological complications. These include a broad spectrum of syndromes with peripheral nervous system predominantly susceptible. Early identification of these and appropriate management of drug-related toxicity are required. Immune-modulating therapies are particularly beneficial.
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