Neurológia pre prax 5/2023

Neurological complications of cancer immunotherapy

More effective treatment strategies have been appearing in the treatment of cancer, but they also bring new unpleasant side effects with them. A breakthrough is the use of immuno-oncology therapy, which includes checkpoint inhibitors. Unfortunately, this treatment relates to number of immune-mediated adverse effects, which may affect also the nervous system. Myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuropathy, aseptic meningitis, mononeuritis multiplex, encephalitis and transverse myelitis are the most common neurotoxic side effects. Other drugs that can lead to damage to the nervous system are BRAF and MEK inhibitors, for example used in the treatment of metastatic melanoma. Knowledge of these immune-related side effects is necessary for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Immediate discontinuation of oncology therapy, administration of high doses of corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins or exchange plasmapheresis is recommended.

Keywords: checkpoint inhibitors, malignant melanoma, BRAF a MEK inhibitors, neurotoxicity, polyneuropathy