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Neurology (Expert Forum)
CIDP and Cancer-separate issues or is it Paraneoplastic?
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury.
CIDP and Cancer-separate issues or is it Paraneoplastic?
by dahlek, Oct 25, 2006 12:00AM
I have CIDP for over 3 years, it is auto-immune related. I also have been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer in the last year. My neurologist put forth a possibility that the CIDP's neuropathy-severe sensory might be a paraneoplastic neuropathy. There has been no further testing by either my neuro or my ocon. regarding testing/matching the markers for that diagnosis. I realize that little or nothing will change in terms of regular treatments, but, knowing that it is a paraneoplastic syndrome would certainly flag certain tests above the normal ones for future cancer detections and/or neuro deterioration. The issue is a concern as my family has a strong history of cancers.
I have the test results of my spinal fluid analysis done 2 years ago and also the summary of the OncotypeDX -apparently I, the patient, cannot obtain the detail by which auto-immune markers could be matched. No action has been taken by either specialist to check this out. What methods would you recommend to obtain this critical Oncotype DX detail? Thank you very much in advance.
I have the test results of my spinal fluid analysis done 2 years ago and also the summary of the OncotypeDX -apparently I, the patient, cannot obtain the detail by which auto-immune markers could be matched. No action has been taken by either specialist to check this out. What methods would you recommend to obtain this critical Oncotype DX detail? Thank you very much in advance.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-SH, Nov 06, 2006 12:00AM
First of all, keep in mind that I am unable to diagnose you because I am unable to examine you, this forum is for educational purposes.
There are test panels by Athena and others that will evaluate for the known paraneoplastic antibodies. A negative test would not rule out the paraneoplastic, but a positive would give you a diagnosis. Unfortunately, sometimes treating a paraneoplastic neuropathy with IVIG or plasmapheresis can make your primary cancer worse (the antibodies that attack your nerves also attack the cancer). Thus the best treatment is often to treat the underlying cancer. I would suggest that you have your neurologist to send off a paraneoplastic panel(blood test) and to repeat your EMG to evaluate for changes/progression. I would also suggest neurontin, elavil, lyrica, cymbalta, etc. to help treat your neuropathic pain (if not already on one of these meds).
I hope this has been helpful.
There are test panels by Athena and others that will evaluate for the known paraneoplastic antibodies. A negative test would not rule out the paraneoplastic, but a positive would give you a diagnosis. Unfortunately, sometimes treating a paraneoplastic neuropathy with IVIG or plasmapheresis can make your primary cancer worse (the antibodies that attack your nerves also attack the cancer). Thus the best treatment is often to treat the underlying cancer. I would suggest that you have your neurologist to send off a paraneoplastic panel(blood test) and to repeat your EMG to evaluate for changes/progression. I would also suggest neurontin, elavil, lyrica, cymbalta, etc. to help treat your neuropathic pain (if not already on one of these meds).
I hope this has been helpful.
Member Comments (2)
by dahlek, Oct 25, 2006 12:00AM
I neglected to mention that I've been on anti-epileptic meds for and IVIG for 2+ years and an AI for 6 months. Thank you again!
