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Peripheral neuropathy and headache in cancer patients treated with immunotherapy and immuno-oncology combinations:

Alessandro Rizzo1, Matteo Santoni2, Veronica Mollica3

  • 1Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale di Oncologia Medica per la Presa in Carico Globale del Paziente Oncologico 'Don Tonino Bello', I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Tumori 'Giovanni Paolo II', Viale Orazio Flacco 65, 70124 Bari, Italy.

Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology
|January 14, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Immune checkpoint inhibitors show a reduced risk of peripheral neuropathy and sensory neuropathy in cancer patients. Further research is needed to understand immunotherapy-related neurotoxicity and improve patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Neuroscience
  • Immunotherapy

Background:

  • Treatment-related neurotoxicity is a significant concern for cancer patients.
  • Limited data exist on neurotoxicity risks associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the risk of peripheral neuropathy, peripheral sensory neuropathy, and headache in cancer patients receiving immunotherapy.
  • To analyze data from the MOUSEION-02 meta-analysis.

Main Methods:

  • Meta-analysis of studies involving cancer patients treated with immunotherapy (monotherapy or combination).
  • Evaluation of risks for all-grade peripheral neuropathy, peripheral sensory neuropathy, and headache.

Main Results:

  • Immunotherapy was associated with a lower risk of all-grade peripheral neuropathy (RR, 0.50) and peripheral sensory neuropathy (RR, 0.49).
  • Immune checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy also showed reduced risk for these neuropathies (RR, 0.05 and 0.11, respectively).
  • No significant difference in all-grade headache risk was observed.

Conclusions:

  • This meta-analysis highlights a lower risk of certain neurotoxicities with immunotherapy but requires cautious interpretation.
  • Further investigation into immunotherapy-related neurotoxicity is crucial for optimizing cancer patient care.
  • Addressing these adverse events can improve clinical outcomes for cancer patients.
Keywords:
Atezolizumabavelumabcancerheadacheimmunotherapymeta-analysisnivolumabpembrolizumabperipheral neuropathyperipheral sensory neuropathy

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