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Neurologic complications of immune checkpoint inhibitors

Andreas F Hottinger1

  • 1Department of Clinical Neurosciences; Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne University, Lausanne, Switzerland.

Current Opinion in Neurology
|September 23, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1 offer new cancer treatments but can cause rare neurologic side effects. Early recognition and management of these immune-related adverse events are crucial for patient recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Advances in understanding immune system regulation have spurred novel cancer therapies.
  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1 are now established treatments for various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the neurologic adverse event profiles associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
  • To discuss the management of these rare but serious neurotoxicities.

Main Methods:

  • Review of literature on immune checkpoint inhibitor-related neurologic adverse events.
  • Analysis of reported cases and clinical management strategies.

Main Results:

  • Common toxicities include rash, colitis, hepatitis, endocrinopathies, and pneumonitis.
  • Rare but significant neurologic side effects include polyneuropathies, Guillain Barré syndrome, myasthenia gravis, and encephalitis.

Conclusions:

  • Neurologic immune-related adverse events require prompt recognition and intervention.
  • Early treatment of these events improves the likelihood of complete patient recovery.

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