Transverse myelitis as an unexpected complication following treatment with dinutuximab in pediatric patients with high-risk neuroblastoma: A case series

Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2018 Jan;65(1). doi: 10.1002/pbc.26732. Epub 2017 Jul 27.

Abstract

Immunotherapy with the anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody ch14.18, or dinutuximab, represents an important therapeutic advance in the treatment of pediatric high-risk neuroblastoma and is now considered part of standard of care in this patient population. To date, transverse myelitis as a result of dinutuximab therapy has not been reported in clinical trials or in the published literature. We describe three patients with clinical symptoms of transverse myelitis, confirmed via magnetic resonance imaging, shortly following initiation of dinutuximab. All patients were discontinued from dinutuximab treatment and received urgent treatment, with rapid improvement in symptoms and resultant functional recovery.

Keywords: Unituxin; anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody; dinutuximab; neuroblastoma; transverse myelitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal* / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal* / adverse effects
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Myelitis, Transverse* / chemically induced
  • Myelitis, Transverse* / diagnostic imaging
  • Neuroblastoma* / diagnostic imaging
  • Neuroblastoma* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • dinutuximab