Neurotoxicity from immune-checkpoint inhibition in the treatment of melanoma: a single centre experience and review of the literature

Background: Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPi) has greatly improved survival for patients with advanced melanoma in recent years. Anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD1 antibodies have been approved following large Phase III trials. Immune-related neurological toxicity of varying severity has been reported in the literature. The cumulative incidence of neurotoxicity among ipilimumab, nivolumab and pembrolizumab is reported as <1% in published clinical trials. We aimed to identify the incidence of neurotoxicity in our institution across anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD-1 antibodies, including the combination of ipilimumab with nivolumab. We also review the existing literature and propose an investigation and management algorithm.

Methods: All patients with advanced melanoma treated with ipilimumab, nivolumab, pembrolizumab or the combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab (ipi + nivo), managed at the Royal Marsden Hospital between September 2010 and December 2015, including patients on (published) clinical trials were included. Medical records for each patient were reviewed and information on neurotoxicity recorded. A systematic search strategy was performed to collate existing reports of neurological toxicity.

Results: In total, 413 immunotherapy treatment episodes in 352 patients were included, with median follow-up of 26.7 months. Ten cases of neurotoxicity were recorded, affecting 2.8% of patients overall, ranging from grade 1 to 4, affecting both central and peripheral nervous systems. A rate of 14% was noted with ipi + nivo. Three of five patients commenced on corticosteroids responded to these. Six patients had made a full recovery at the time of reporting. A favorable radiological response was found in 7 of the 10 cases. Unusual presentations are described in detail.

Conclusions: Neurological toxicity is not uncommon, and may be more frequent in patients treated with combination ipi + nivo. Patterns of presentation and response to treatment are varied. A prompt and considered approach is required to optimize outcomes in this group of patients.