[Molecular target therapy-associated CNS complications]

Advances in cancer chemotherapy, particularly development of molecular target therapies based on cancer biology, have significantly improved survival for cancer patients. Targeted therapies display generally favorable toxicity profiles, but reports of severe toxicities as seen with previous chemotherapeutic drugs have been increasing recently. Antineoplastic drug-induced central nervous system injuries sometimes progress to life-threatening complications. In this article, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome, which have been reported in association with targeted therapies, are reviewed clinically, etiologically based on reports in the literature. Treating physicians should be aware of the importance of early recognition and institution of appropriate management for these complications to reduce the risk of permanent neurological sequelae.