Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Associated Transverse Myelitis

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are highly effective in treating cancer and are increasingly used. Thus, awareness of various complications in the form of immunity-related adverse events is increasing. Transverse myelitis following ICIs is a rare but severe neurological adverse event, and information about this entity is minimal. ICI-associated transverse myelitis should be considered a rapid and comprehensive differential diagnosis after evaluating infective, metabolic, or other inflammatory-autoimmune pathologies. After diagnosis, early immunomodulation is required through intravenous high-dose methylprednisolone, IVIg, or plasmapheresis. It should be kept in mind that different etiologies may coexist or a superimposed condition may cause each other, and concurrent treatment should not be delayed. Further studies are needed to investigate the neurological manifestations that may develop in association with these therapies further and help establish guidelines for their management. In this case report, a rare case of ICI-associated transverse myelitis in a 62-year-old male patient was presented.

Keywords

• immune checkpoint inhibitor
• adverse event
• transverse myelitis
• i̇mmun kontrol noktası inhibitörü
• advers olay
• transvers miyelit