Paraneoplastic neuropathies

Srikanth Muppidi, Steven Vernino

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose of Review: This article provides an approach to the recognition and management of paraneoplastic neuropathies. Recent Findings: Paraneoplastic neuropathies may have unique phenotypic presentations, such as sensory neuronopathy, autonomic enteric neuropathy, demyelin-ating neuropathy, and, rarely, motor neuropathy. Paraneoplastic sensorimotor neuropathy, on the other hand, may be indistinguishable from other common types of axonal polyneuropathy. Certain patterns of neuropathies are commonly seen with different types of cancers, but this relationship is not exclusive and not all patients whose pattern of neuropathy suggests a paraneoplastic disorder have an underlying cancer. In addition to definitive therapy for malignancy, immunomodulatory therapy, such as corticosteroids, IV immunoglobulin (IVIg), or immunosuppressants, may benefit some patients, but there are very few published treatment data for paraneoplastic neuropathies. Summary: Prompt recognition of paraneoplastic neuropathies may lead to identification and treatment of an occult cancer. Treatment can potentially arrest the progression of neuropathy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1359-1372
Number of pages14
JournalCONTINUUM Lifelong Learning in Neurology
Volume20
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2014

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology
  • Genetics(clinical)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Paraneoplastic neuropathies'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this