Early intravenous immunoglobulin treatment in paraneoplastic neurological syndromes with onconeural antibodies

Introduction

Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNS) are immune-mediated complications of cancer, characterised by relentless progression. The mainstay of PNS treatment is the achievement of tumour remission,1 while immunotherapy provides only little additional benefit.2 3 However, in historical series, immunotherapy was initiated over 6 months after neurological onset and, at that stage, neuronal loss is already extensive and irreversible.

Among available immunotherapies, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) has been used in single cases4 and in one retrospective series,3 showing some efficacy when administered timely.4 Based on these findings, we designed a prospective study to assess the efficacy and safety of early IVIg treatment in patients with PNS.

MethodsStudy design

This prospective, multicentre, non-comparative, phase II clinical study was performed by the 'Centre de Reference Francais des Syndromes Neurologiques Paranéoplasiques'. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02343211).

from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via als.fakia on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2ig6UQO
via IFTTT