Neurologic Complications of Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Objective Advances in cancer treatment have led to extended survival and increased risk of neurologic complications in an aging population. This review summarizes potential neurologic complications in patients who have undergone treatment for neurologic and systemic malignancies. Latest Developments Radiation and cytotoxic chemotherapy along with other targeted therapies continue to be the mainstay of cancer treatment. These advances in cancer care have led to improved outcomes and increased the need to understand the spectrum of neurologic complications that may arise from treatment. While radiation and older therapies including cytotoxic chemotherapies have side effect profiles that are widely known and well understood, this article serves as a review of the more commonly associated neurologic complications of both traditional and newer treatments being offered to this patient population. Essential Points Neurotoxicity is a common complication of cancer-directed treatment. In general, neurologic complications of radiation therapy are more common in central nervous system malignancies, and neurologic complications of chemotherapy are more common in non-neurologic malignancies. Attempts at prevention, early detection, and intervention remain paramount in the reduction of neurologic morbidity.

Neuro-oncologic Emergencies

“…A thorough review of neurologic complications of cancer treatment can be found in the June 2023 issue of Continuum on the neurology of systemic disease. 95 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-related Complications Monoclonal antibodies targeting immune checkpoint molecules have changed both the landscape of oncologic care and the spectrum of neurotoxicity syndromes.…”

“…This section focuses on severe neurotoxicity from cancer therapy that presents as a neurologic emergency or can be encountered in the critically ill patient population. A thorough review of neurologic complications of cancer treatment can be found in the June 2023 issue of Continuum on the neurology of systemic disease 95 …”