Neuromuscular Complications of Programmed Cell Death-1 (PD-1) Inhibitors

Abstract

Purpose of Review: In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors have been increasingly used in patients with metastatic cancers with favorable oncological outcomes; however, there have also been increasing number of cancer survivors who have developed immune-related adverse events. Little is known about PD-1 inhibitor-associated neuromuscular complications. Recent Findings: Neuromuscular disorders are the most common neurological complication reported in PD-1 inhibitor-treated patients. Myasthenia gravis, immune-mediated myopathies, and Guillain-Barre syndrome are among commonly reported immune-related neuromuscular complications. HyperCKemia occurs frequently in patients with PD-1 inhibitor-associated myasthenia gravis, indicating coexisting myopathies or myocarditis. Oculobulbar weakness is a unique and common presentation of PD-1 inhibitor-associated immune-mediated myopathies with or without concomitant myasthenia gravis. High-dose steroid monotherapy may be associated with clinical deterioration in some patients with PD-1 inhibitor-associated myasthenia gravis, immune-mediated myopathies, or Guillain-Barre syndrome. Summary: PD-1 inhibitor-associated neuromuscular complications have some characteristic features compared to their idiopathic counterparts. Although steroid monotherapy is commonly used in non-neuromuscular autoimmune disorders triggered by anti-PD-1 therapy, this may lead to unfavorable outcomes in some patients with PD-1 inhibitor-associated neuromuscular complications.