Adverse events of radioimmunotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma continues to be a highly prevalent entity in the general population. Currently, there are multiple treatment schemes based on chemotherapeutic agents with a great success rate. However, there is a non-negligible percentage of patients who may relapse or be refractory. In this sense, new therapeutic options have emerged in the search for adequate responses, such as monoclonal antibodies that target the CD20 molecule. Another valid option is radioimmunotherapy (RIT), which combines using monoclonal antibodies for the specific targeting of malignant cells and radiation to destroy these cells. Despite the promising results that favor RIT in several clinical studies in different target populations and types of NHL, one situation to consider is the association of this therapy and second neoplasms (acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MSD)). In this sense, we have proposed this meta-analysis to analyze the published information and determine the incidence of this association and determine this therapy's safety.

Immunotherapy Induced Myasthenic-Like Syndrome in a Metastatic Melanoma Patient With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Immunotherapy agents such as ipilimumab and nivolumab are immensely effective in the treatment of various malignancies. Despite this, neurologic immune-related sequelae (NIRS) have been observed. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is critical to improve patient outcomes. We present a case of a 63-year-old man with stage IV metastatic melanoma beginning treatment with ipilimumab and nivolumab. Gathered history from the patient showed that he had a 3-year presentation of bradykinesia, shuffling gait, and muscle cramping. After one dose, the patient began to have progressively worsening generalized weakness; after receiving the immunotherapy, there was a rapid decline in his health. In addition to weakness, the patient developed diplopia, impaired single breath count, lingual and upper/lower extremity fasciculations, and brisk reflexes. While the lumbar puncture and myasthenia panel were non-diagnostic, the electromyography (EMG) revealed axonal neuropathy and diffuse denervation/reinnervation changes. Furthermore, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) displayed fatty replacement of the tongue with a bright tongue sign. These results pointed to the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) superimposed onto myasthenic-like syndrome. The patient was started on various treatments; however, unfortunately he died due to acute hypoxic respiratory failure. This case highlights important considerations that must be taken when using immunotherapy, especially in patients with pre-existing neurological deficits. Furthermore, it shows the importance of early diagnosis as treatment can potentially cure adverse sequelae.