Self-Assessment: NM Complications of Cancer Care | Cardiac & Pulmonary Manifestations of NMDs-Kolb Presentation

Kolb Presentation

Pdf Summary

The document titled "The Neuromuscular Complications of Cancer Care" details the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and neuromuscular immune-related adverse events (irAE-NMs) in cancer patients. Authored by Noah Kolb, M.D., Brendan McNeish, M.D., and Amanda Guidon, M.D., it aims to educate healthcare professionals on the clinical manifestation, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic avenues for these conditions.<br /><br />Key goals include recognizing common CIPN presentations, understanding diagnostic complexities, applying guidelines, identifying irAE-NMs, summarizing therapeutic options, and knowing when to consult experts. The document stresses the importance of CIPN, discussing its frequent occurrence as a dose-limiting side effect of neurotoxic chemotherapy, its phenotypes, and the implications for patient quality of life, healthcare costs, and survival.<br /><br />The guide outlines the process for diagnosing CIPN, considering factors like pre-existing neuropathy, lab work, electrodiagnostics, and the time course of symptoms. It provides detailed descriptions of CIPN associated with various chemotherapy agents such as platinum drugs, taxanes, vinca alkaloids, bortezomib, and thalidomide.<br /><br />Preventative and treatment options for CIPN are discussed, including pharmaceuticals (duloxetine, TCAs, gabapentin), topical treatments, and alternative therapies (exercise, acupuncture). The document reviews ongoing research and trials, suggesting cryotherapy and specific exercises as feasible preventive measures.<br /><br />The importance of accurate diagnosis is reinforced, noting the significance of detailed patient history and electrodiagnostic studies. Clinicians are encouraged to personalize treatment plans based on the individual patient’s needs and the specific details of their neuropathy. The document concludes by emphasizing the impact of CIPN on cancer survivors’ quality of life and the necessity of expert treatment to optimize outcomes. <br /><br />Practical advice and recommendations for improving diagnosis and treatment are provided, guided by recent studies and clinical experience, to enhance the care and management of patients experiencing CIPN and irAE-NMs.

Keywords

chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

CIPN

neuromuscular immune-related adverse events

irAE-NMs

cancer care

diagnosis

treatment

prevention

neurotoxic chemotherapy

Noah Kolb