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Zammit F, Seront E. Neurological Adverse Events Related to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Practical Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:501. [PMID: 38675461 PMCID: PMC11053462 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The increasing use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in cancer therapy has brought attention to their associated neurotoxicities, termed neurological immune-related adverse events (n-irAEs). Despite their relatively rare incidence, n-irAEs pose a significant risk, potentially leading to severe, long-lasting disabilities or even fatal outcomes. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of n-irAEs, focusing on their recognition and management. The review addresses a spectrum of n-irAEs, encompassing myositis, myasthenia gravis, various neuropathies, and central nervous system complications, such as encephalitis, meningitis, and demyelinating diseases. The key features of n-irAEs are emphasized in this review, including their early onset after initiation of ICIs, potential association with non-neurological irAEs and/or concurrent oncological response, the significance of ruling out other etiologies, and the expected improvement upon discontinuation of ICIs and/or immunosuppression. Furthermore, this review delves into considerations for ICI re-challenge and the intricate nature of n-irAEs within the context of pre-existing autoimmune and paraneoplastic syndromes. It underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the pivotal role of severity grading in guiding treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emmanuel Seront
- Institut Roi Albert II, Department of Medical Oncology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium;
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McCombe JA, Sechi E, Zekeridou A. Neurologic manifestations of autoimmunity with immune checkpoint inhibitors. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2024; 200:449-465. [PMID: 38494296 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-823912-4.00024-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are cancer immunotherapies that enhance the body's own immune system to treat cancer. ICI treatment, however, can cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that can affect any organ, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Neurologic irAEs (nirAEs) are rare and can affect the peripheral nervous system more commonly than the central nervous system. Treatment is dependent on the severity of the neurologic manifestations and often includs discontinuation of the ICI and initiation of steroid therapy as the first line; other treatments have also been used. NirAEs and cardiac irAEs have higher fatality rates underlying the importance of early recognition and appropriate management. This chapter reviews the clinical manifestations of neurologic immune-related adverse events associated with ICI treatment as well as diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A McCombe
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Elia Sechi
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Anastasia Zekeridou
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States; Center of MS and Autoimmune Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.
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Kawanaka H, Tajiri K, Muraishi N, Murayama A, Nukui T, Yasuda I. A Case of Immune-Related Aseptic Meningitis during Atezolizumab plus Bevacizumab for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Case Rep Gastroenterol 2024; 18:8-13. [PMID: 38188593 PMCID: PMC10766420 DOI: 10.1159/000535476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Immune checkpoint inhibitors are sometimes associated with immune-related adverse events during or after treatment. Among these, aseptic meningitis is a rare and serious complication. We report the first case of atezolizumab-induced aseptic meningitis, which occurred during treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Case Presentation A 74-year-old woman diagnosed with advanced HCC and treated with first-line atezolizumab plus bevacizumab developed anorexia, fatigue, and fever, after three treatment cycles. Cerebrospinal fluid examination showed slightly increased cell count and protein level but no infection or malignancy. Contrast enhancement along the cerebral sulcus was evident in contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, and the patient was diagnosed with aseptic meningitis associated with atezolizumab. Steroid therapy soon improved her clinical symptoms, and the contrast enhancement along the cerebral sulcus disappeared. Conclusion Clinicians should monitor to avoid serious immune-related adverse events, such as aseptic meningitis, in patients during treatment of HCC with immune checkpoint inhibitors and make the diagnosis as soon as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Kawanaka
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Kazuto Tajiri
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Nozomu Muraishi
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Aiko Murayama
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Takamasa Nukui
- Department of Neurology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Ichiro Yasuda
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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Javaid A, Bennett C, Rao A, Spain L. Rare Immune-Related Adverse Events (irAEs): Approach to Diagnosis and Management. Pharmaceut Med 2024; 38:25-38. [PMID: 38194017 PMCID: PMC10824871 DOI: 10.1007/s40290-023-00508-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionised the treatment landscape across many solid organ malignancies and form part of routine clinical practice in many tumours. As indications for monotherapy, doublet therapy and combination approaches with chemotherapy and targeted agents expand, clinicians must be aware of the wide range of possible immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Common toxicities, including rash, colitis, hepatitis and pneumonitis are well described in the literature, and have established diagnostic and management algorithms. Rarer toxicities, often with an incidence of less than 1%, are less defined. These syndromes can be poorly recognised, may take on a fulminant course and do not have established or evidence-based diagnostic and management strategies. As such, patients may experience increased morbidity, mortality and poorer outcomes, related both to these irAEs as well as how the treatment of these may affect the management of their underlying malignancy. In this review, we aim to explore the incidence, potential biomarkers, pathogenesis, diagnostic work-up and clinical sequelae of a selection of uncommon irAEs, with a focus on myocarditis, neurological and haematologic syndromes. Further prospective research is required to accurately define the incidence and pathogenesis of these conditions, with the aim of increasing clinician awareness of rare irAEs and to assist with a more personalised and mechanism-based approach to these syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anadil Javaid
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Catherine Bennett
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Aparna Rao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Medical Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lavinia Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Medical Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Amylidi AL, Gogadis A, Yerolatsite M, Zarkavelis G, Torounidou N, Keramisanou V, Kampletsas E, Mauri D. Exploring a Rarity: Incidence of and Therapeutic Approaches for Neurological Complications and Hypophysitis in Cancer Patients on Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors-A Single-Center Study. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:10509-10518. [PMID: 38132400 PMCID: PMC10742161 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30120766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 inhibitors, have become the standard of care for many cancer types. However, they induce immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including neurotoxicity and hypophysitis. The incidence and outcomes of neurotoxicity and hypophysitis in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors are not well established. We conducted a retrospective study of 812 patients with solid cancers who received immune checkpoint inhibitors at the University General Hospital of Ioannina between January 2018 and January 2023. We assessed demographic and clinical data, including the severity of symptoms, treatment regimen, other irAEs, resolution type and time, and death. Two patients experienced neurotoxicity and two hypophysitis. All four patients required inpatient administration and received corticosteroids or/and hormone replacement. Three patients responded to the initial therapy, experiencing full recovery, while one patient was corticosteroid-resistant, and immunoglobin G was administered. Two patients never received immunotherapy after their toxicity due to the severity of symptoms; one patient continued monotherapy with nivolumab, changing from combination therapy with ipilimumab-nivolumab, while the fourth patient continued his initial treatment with nivolumab. Our study suggests that the incidence of neurotoxicity and hypophysitis in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors is low, but careful monitoring and prompt treatment with corticosteroids are necessary for effective management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lea Amylidi
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (A.G.); (M.Y.); (G.Z.); (N.T.); (V.K.); (E.K.); (D.M.)
- Society for Study of Clonal Heterogeneity of Neoplasia (EMEKEN), 45445 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Aristeidis Gogadis
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (A.G.); (M.Y.); (G.Z.); (N.T.); (V.K.); (E.K.); (D.M.)
- Society for Study of Clonal Heterogeneity of Neoplasia (EMEKEN), 45445 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Melina Yerolatsite
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (A.G.); (M.Y.); (G.Z.); (N.T.); (V.K.); (E.K.); (D.M.)
- Society for Study of Clonal Heterogeneity of Neoplasia (EMEKEN), 45445 Ioannina, Greece
| | - George Zarkavelis
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (A.G.); (M.Y.); (G.Z.); (N.T.); (V.K.); (E.K.); (D.M.)
- Society for Study of Clonal Heterogeneity of Neoplasia (EMEKEN), 45445 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Nanteznta Torounidou
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (A.G.); (M.Y.); (G.Z.); (N.T.); (V.K.); (E.K.); (D.M.)
- Society for Study of Clonal Heterogeneity of Neoplasia (EMEKEN), 45445 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Varvara Keramisanou
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (A.G.); (M.Y.); (G.Z.); (N.T.); (V.K.); (E.K.); (D.M.)
- Society for Study of Clonal Heterogeneity of Neoplasia (EMEKEN), 45445 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Eleftherios Kampletsas
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (A.G.); (M.Y.); (G.Z.); (N.T.); (V.K.); (E.K.); (D.M.)
- Society for Study of Clonal Heterogeneity of Neoplasia (EMEKEN), 45445 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Davide Mauri
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (A.G.); (M.Y.); (G.Z.); (N.T.); (V.K.); (E.K.); (D.M.)
- Society for Study of Clonal Heterogeneity of Neoplasia (EMEKEN), 45445 Ioannina, Greece
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece
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Wang N. Neurologic Complications of Cancer Immunotherapy. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2023; 29:1827-1843. [PMID: 38085900 DOI: 10.1212/con.0000000000001362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Immunotherapeutic approaches have revolutionized cancer treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive T-cell therapy now approved to treat a variety of solid and hematologic malignancies. This article summarizes the distinctive neurologic side effects of these therapies as well as their management. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS Neurologic immune-related adverse events are rare but potentially serious complications of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Both peripheral and central nervous system disorders have been described, often necessitating a pause or cessation of immunotherapy. Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome is a potentially serious complication of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. While symptoms may be mild and self-limited, delirium, encephalopathy, seizures, focal neurologic deficits, and fulminant cerebral edema can be seen. Close neurologic monitoring is imperative. The mainstay of treatment for neurologic complications includes high-dose corticosteroids, although other immunomodulatory strategies may be used in severe or refractory cases. ESSENTIAL POINTS The spectrum of neurologic complications of cancer immunotherapy is broad, encompassing both central and peripheral nervous system disorders, indolent as well as fulminant clinical presentations, and wide-ranging severity with variable response to treatment. Early identification and multidisciplinary management are crucial to balance neurologic recovery and antitumor control.
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Alsalem AN, Scarffe LA, Briemberg HR, Aaroe AE, Harrison RA. Neurologic Complications of Cancer Immunotherapy. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:5876-5897. [PMID: 37366923 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30060440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment over the past decade. As it is increasingly introduced into routine clinical practice, immune-related complications have become more frequent. Accurate diagnosis and treatment are essential, with the goal of reduced patient morbidity. This review aims to discuss the various clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatments, and prognosis of neurologic complications associated with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive T-cell therapies, and T-cell redirecting therapies. We also outline a suggested clinical approach related to the clinical use of these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aseel N Alsalem
- Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Leslie A Scarffe
- Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Hannah R Briemberg
- Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Ashley E Aaroe
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Rebecca A Harrison
- Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
- Division of Medical Oncology, BC Cancer, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E6, Canada
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Evaluation and management of acute high-grade immunotherapy-related neurotoxicity. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13725. [PMID: 36851967 PMCID: PMC9958505 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor monoclonal antibodies allow the host's immune system to attack tumors, which has revolutionized cancer care over the last decade. As the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors has expanded, so have autoimmune-like complications known as immune-related adverse events. These include the infrequent but increasingly more common, potentially deadly neurological immune related adverse events. When feeling acutely ill, patients will often seek care not from their oncologist but from their family physician, clinics, emergency, and urgent care sites, or other available providers. Thus, while assessing acutely ill cancer patients who are experiencing neurological symptoms, non-oncologists should be prepared to recognize, diagnose, and treat neurological immune related adverse events in addition to more familiar conditions. This narrative review is designed to update acute care clinicians on current knowledge and to present a symptom-based framework for evaluating and treating neurological immune related adverse events based on the leading immunotoxicity organizations' latest recommendations.
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Berz AM, Boughdad S, Vietti-Violi N, Digklia A, Dromain C, Dunet V, Duran R. Imaging assessment of toxicity related to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1133207. [PMID: 36911692 PMCID: PMC9995973 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1133207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a wide range of cancer immunotherapies have been developed and have become increasingly important in cancer treatment across multiple oncologic diseases. In particular, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) offer promising options to improve patient outcomes. However, a major limitation of these treatments consists in the development of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) occurring in potentially any organ system and affecting up to 76% of the patients. The most frequent toxicities involve the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and endocrine system. Although mostly manageable, potentially life-threatening events, particularly due to neuro-, cardiac, and pulmonary toxicity, occur in up to 30% and 55% of the patients treated with ICI-monotherapy or -combination therapy, respectively. Imaging, in particular computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT), plays an important role in the detection and characterization of these irAEs. In some patients, irAEs can even be detected on imaging before the onset of clinical symptoms. In this context, it is particularly important to distinguish irAEs from true disease progression and specific immunotherapy related response patterns, such as pseudoprogression. In addition, there are irAEs which might be easily confused with other pathologies such as infection or metastasis. However, many imaging findings, such as in immune-related pneumonitis, are nonspecific. Thus, accurate diagnosis may be delayed underling the importance for adequate imaging features characterization in the appropriate clinical setting in order to provide timely and efficient patient management. 18F-FDG-PET/CT and radiomics have demonstrated to reliably detect these toxicities and potentially have predictive value for identifying patients at risk of developing irAEs. The purpose of this article is to provide a review of the main immunotherapy-related toxicities and discuss their characteristics on imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia M Berz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt- Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Boughdad
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Naïk Vietti-Violi
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Antonia Digklia
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Clarisse Dromain
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Dunet
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rafael Duran
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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