Neurological toxicities associated with chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Neurology
• Immunotherapy

Background:

• Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy is a vital treatment for relapsed/refractory malignancies.
• Neurological toxicity is a significant adverse event associated with this therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the neurological toxicity profile of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy.
• To identify common neurological symptoms and associated findings in patients undergoing this treatment.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 100 patients treated with chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy was analyzed.
• Data were collected through chart review and prospective observation up to 2 months post-transfusion.

Main Results:

• The most frequent neurological symptoms included encephalopathy (57%), headache (42%), tremor (38%), and aphasia (35%).
• Focal neurological deficits correlated with EEG abnormalities, FDG-PET hypometabolism, and elevated transcranial Doppler velocities.
• Structural neuroimaging was typically normal.

Conclusions:

• Focal neurological deficits are common after chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy.
• Awareness of these neurological toxicities is essential for clinicians managing patients receiving this advanced cancer therapy.