Neurotoxicity of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Neurotoxicity of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy: A UK-wide case series
IRAS ID
336869
Contact name
Rachel Norman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cardiff & Vale NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Cancer treatment that harnesses the patients’ own immune system to destroy cancer cells (immunotherapy) has had a profound effect on survival rates. However, side-effects (neurotoxicity) are common and potentially life-changing/threatening. Neurotoxicity can affect all parts of the nervous system including inflammation of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles. The number of affected patients is not clear but has been reported to occur in up to 6% of treated patients.(2)
Currently, there is a limited description of the features of neurotoxicity related to these new treatments and little evidence for how to best manage such cases. Current approaches involve stopping immunotherapy and starting treatment with steroids, which adds additional risks and the potential to affect cancer outcomes. Several research areas therefore urgently need addressing: 1) identification of risk factors that predispose patients to neurotoxicity; 2) understanding the underlying mechanisms of how neurotoxicity occurs; 3) identifying the best treatment strategies; 4) how best to restart immunotherapy after neurotoxicity has occurred; 5) understand the effects of different treatment strategies on cancer outcomes; 6) the economic impact of failed treatment.
As part of an established group of neurologists and oncologists, the aim of this project would be to collect, collate and analyse already existing clinical data across the UK to produce a detailed picture of the clinical presentation and management of patients experiencing neurotoxicity. The outcome would help to inform the identified research questions and lay the foundations for future work.
In particular, the aims of this project are: 1) collect data to produce a detailed picture of the clinical presentation of patients with neurotoxicity; 2) understand how neurotoxicity is managed across the UK; 3) Determine how often neurotoxicity occurs; 4) investigate cancer outcomes in those patients experiencing neurotoxicity; 5) Understand how often patients are retreated with immunotherapy after experiencing neurotoxicity.
REC name
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REC reference
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