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Acute leukoencephalopathy associated with daratumumab treatment in POEMS syndrome: a case report

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives: Daratumumab, a monoclonal antibody against CD38, is increasingly used in the treatment of multiple myeloma, other hematological malignancies and autoimmune diseases. Little is known about its CNS toxicity. We present a case of a patient with POEMS syndrome (syndrome of polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy and skin changes) who developed an acute leukoencephalopathy shortly after initiation of therapy with daratumumab. Methods: Case report following the CARE case report guidelines. Results: The patient presented with symptoms of headache and diffuse worsening of a pre-existing tetraparesis. MRI showed a rapidly progressive leukoencephalopathy. Extensive diagnostic evaluation revealed no specific cause, suggesting the leukoencephalopathy to be caused by daratumumab. Discussion: Our report highlights a probably rare, but clinically significant adverse effect of daratumumab and underlines the necessity of raised vigilance for neurological side effects in patients treated with daratumumab.

Source: Frontiers in Immunology

DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1451693