Neuromuscular complications following targeted therapy in cancer patients: beyond the immune checkpoint inhibitors. Case reports and review of the literature.

The first patient was treated with the combination of Vemurafenib and Cobimetinib, BRAF and MEK inhibitors, respectively, for a cutaneous melanoma. One year after the beginning of the combined treatment, she developed a sub-acute motor neuropathy with predominant cranial nerve involvement. She was successfully treated with methylprednisolone. The second patient received therapy with Imatinib, tyrosine kinase inhibitor and precursor of the targeted therapy, for a gastrointestinal stromal tumour. Few days after the first administration, he developed generalized myasthenia gravis with respiratory failure. Clinical remission was obtained with plasma-exchange, intravenous immunoglobulins and steroids. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: We strengthen the relevance of neuromuscular complications which may occur long after treatment start or in patients receiving not only the latest ICPi but also "older" and apparently better-known targeted therapies. Also in the latter cases, an immune-mediated "off-target" pathogenic mechanism can be hypothesized, and consequences can be life threatening, if not promptly diagnosed and appropriately managed.