Neurological complications in oncology and their monitoring and management in clinical practice: a narrative review
Authors: Fischer Stefanie , von Bonin Malte , Bornhäuser Martin , Beste Christian , Ziemssen Tjalf 
Published: September 2024

Importance

New anti-tumor treatments, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR T-cell therapy, are associated with an increasing number of neurological issues linked to tumors not arising from nervous system such as neurological and neuropsychological side effects that can significantly impair quality of life in the short or long term. The science of pathomechanisms, therapeutic approaches, and preventive measures is still in its early stages, and the progress is hampered by the lack of studied connection between neurological and oncological disciplines.

Objectives

This work aimed to provide an overview of the questions raised in the field of clinical neuroscience that concern the outcomes of oncological diseases and their treatment. Furthermore, we give an outline of how a collaborative approach between neurology and oncology, with the implementation of neuroscience techniques including up-to-date diagnostics and therapy, can help to improve the quality of oncological patients’ lives.

Evidence review

The covered areas of investigation in the evaluated articles primarily encompassed the review of known neurological complications of oncological diseases caused by neurotoxic mechanisms of performed therapies or those linked to concurrent pathological conditions. Similarly, the methods of their diagnostics were assessed.

Findings

Our literature review of 65 articles, including clinical trials, cohort studies, reviews, and theoretically based in vitro studies published between 1998 and 2023, outlines the broad spectrum of neurological complications primarily associated with malignant diseases and the anti-tumor therapies employed. Notably, immune-mediated complications, whose incidence is increasing due to the expanding use of new immunotherapies, require early detection and targeted treatment to prevent severe progression. In this context, neurological complications mediated by immune checkpoint inhibitors are often associated with significant impairments and high mortality, necessitating specialist consultation for early detection and differentiation from other phenotypically similar syndromes. Current data on the pathophysiology of these neurological complications are not reliable due to the limited number of studies. Moreover, there is a lack of evidence regarding the appropriate oncological approach in the event of therapy-related complications. Initial study results suggest that the establishment of interdisciplinary treatment interfaces for the management of oncology patients could improve the safety of these therapies and enhance the patients’ quality of life.

Conclusions and relevance

The accumulated knowledge on neurotoxicity caused by oncological diseases shows that the challenges in diagnosing and managing this condition are expanding in tandem with the growing array of therapies being employed. Therefore, it requires interdisciplinary approach with the introduction of new facilities enabling more personalized patient care.