Case Report: Neurological immune-related adverse events with anti-PD-1 based immunotherapy in cervical cancer - Report - MDSpire

Case Report: Neurological immune-related adverse events with anti-PD-1 based immunotherapy in cervical cancer

  • By

  • Gaia Passarella

  • Sofia Vella

  • Erminia Ferrario

  • Nicoletta Provinciali

  • Diego Luigi Cortinovis

  • Stefania Canova

  • May 14, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Neurological Immune-Related Adverse Events in Cervical Cancer

Overview

This report details a case of neurological immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in a cervical cancer patient treated with cemiplimab. Despite initial treatment success, the patient developed severe neurological complications during steroid tapering, requiring hospitalization and rehabilitation.

Background

Cervical cancer remains a significant health issue, being the fourth most common cancer among women globally. The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) like cemiplimab offers new therapeutic avenues, but their association with irAEs, particularly neurological events, poses challenges for patient management. Understanding these adverse events, including their incidence and management strategies, is crucial for improving patient outcomes and ensuring timely interventions.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data presented in the source material.

Key Findings

A 54-year-old patient with recurrent cervical cancer developed neurological irAEs after cemiplimab treatment. Initial treatment response was favorable, but complications arose during steroid tapering. Myositis and myelitis were confirmed after excluding other neurological causes. High-dose steroids and plasmapheresis provided only partial improvement. Structured follow-up is essential for early identification of irAEs in patients receiving ICIs.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should be vigilant for neurological irAEs in patients undergoing treatment with ICIs like cemiplimab. Early recognition and management of these events are critical to mitigate long-term complications and improve patient quality of life. Standardized monitoring protocols should be established.

Conclusion

The increasing use of ICIs in cervical cancer necessitates heightened awareness of potential neurological irAEs. Ongoing monitoring and structured follow-up are vital for effective management of these adverse events, requiring collaboration among healthcare providers.

Related Resources & Content

  1. The ASCO Post, 2020 -- Multisystem Immune-Related Adverse Events and Disease Outcomes Among Patients With NSCLC Treated With Immunotherapy
  2. The ASCO Post, 2022 -- Incidence of Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Patients Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
  3. Frontiers in Immunology, 2026 -- Severe neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder induced by pucotenlimab: a case report and literature review
  4. The ASCO Post, 2018 -- Both Patients and Clinicians Face Challenges in Recognizing and Reporting Immune-Related Adverse Events
  5. Pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy for advanced and recurrent cervical cancer: final analysis according to bevacizumab use in the randomized KEYNOTE-826 study - ScienceDirect
  6. Neurological immune-related adverse events with checkpoint inhibitor therapy: challenges for the neurologist | Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry
  7. Pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy for advanced and recurrent cervical cancer: final analysis according to bevacizumab use in the randomized KEYNOTE-826 study - ScienceDirect
  8. Neurological immune-related adverse events with checkpoint inhibitor therapy: challenges for the neurologist | Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry

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