[Checkpoint inhibitors neurological side effects]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Neuroimmunology
• Pharmacovigilance

Background:

• Checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer therapy.
• Increased use leads to a rise in reported adverse effects, particularly neurological complications.
• Neurological side effects may have been underestimated in initial clinical trials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the pathophysiology and incidence of neurological side effects associated with checkpoint inhibitors.
• To summarize current clinical practice guidelines for managing these adverse events.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of published case reports on neurological side effects of checkpoint inhibitors.
• Inclusion of institutional experience.
• Summary of key clinical practice guidelines.

Main Results:

• Neurological side effects from checkpoint inhibitors are common.
• A diverse range of central and peripheral nervous system symptoms can manifest.
• Immune-mediated inflammation, especially in brain tumors, can mimic tumor progression (pseudoprogression).

Conclusions:

• Checkpoint inhibitor-related neurological adverse events are frequent and varied.
• Clinical guidelines are essential for managing these side effects.
• Further research is required to fully characterize and address these neurological complications.