Investigation of Immune Mechanisms in Autoimmune and Immunotherapy-Related Neurological Disorders in Cancer Patients

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are exploring the immune-related neurological toxicities that can occur in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors ICIs. The study aims to understand the underlying immune mechanisms causing these neurological side effects, which may involve T cells, autoantibodies, inflammation, and complement activation. This research focuses on patients with autoimmune neurological diseases and those with neurotoxicities linked to immunotherapy. Participants include cancer patients treated with ICIs who develop neurological symptoms, patients with autoimmune central nervous system diseases, and patients with conditions like normal pressure hydrocephalus or idiopathic intracranial hypertension. The study involves performing lumbar puncture and blood sampling as part of their care to collect cerebrospinal fluid and blood for research analysis, with no lumbar puncture conducted solely for the study. During the study, researchers will analyze immune cells and molecules in the cerebrospinal fluid and blood, measuring nervous system-specific T cell receptors and inflammatory markers at the start of participation. Data on immune cell types, cytokine levels, and correlations with clinical symptoms will also be collected. Participants involvement includes consenting to additional sample collection during routine procedures, and the study monitors immune activity related to neurological symptoms in these patient groups.

Autoimmune Neurological Diseases and Those Secondary to Immunotherapy: Study of Immunological Mechanisms and Research Into Targets of Immune Attack