[Peripheral Neuropathy and Muscle Disorders as Immune-Related Adverse Events]

Brain Nerve. 2024 May;76(5):605-611. doi: 10.11477/mf.1416202650.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

Neurological immune-related adverse events (irAEs) associated with cancer treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) present diverse clinical characteristics. Neurological irAEs affect the peripheral nervous system and muscles more than they affect the central nervous system. Among the various subsets of peripheral neuropathies, polyradiculoneuropathy, which includes Guillain-Barre syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, stands out as the most severe form, leading to significant muscle weakness. ICIs can induce dysautonomia, including autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy. Autonomic neuropathy represents a neurological irAE. Neurological irAEs of neuromuscular junctions include myasthenia gravis (MG) and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). Diagnosing MG or myositis independently can be challenging when they occur as irAEs. Myocarditis is sometimes observed as an irAE in patients with MG and can cause both severe heart failure and lethal arrhythmias, resulting in fatal outcomes. Anti-Kv1.4 antibodies are biomarkers of the severe form of MG and myocarditis. The administration of ICI in patients with small cell lung cancer increases the risk of LEMS. The distinction between LEMS is an irAE or a manifestation of paraneoplastic neurological syndrome is unclear as both conditions share common immunological mechanisms.

Publication types

  • Review
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Muscular Diseases* / chemically induced
  • Muscular Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Muscular Diseases* / immunology
  • Neoplasms / complications
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases* / chemically induced
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases* / etiology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases* / immunology