Features of myositis and myasthenia gravis in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: a multicentric, retrospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) may induce overlapping myositis/myasthenia gravis (MG) features, sparking current debate about pathophysiology and management of this emerging disease entity. We aimed to clarify whether ICI-induced (ir-) myositis and ir-MG represent distinct diseases or exist concurrently.

Methods

We performed a retrospective multicenter cohort study. Using the Paris University Hospitals database (n = 2,910,417), we screened all patients with International Classification of Diseases codes or free text related to myositis/MG signs and ICI (n = 620). 'Ir-MG signs' were defined by fatigability, repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) decrement, and/or acetylcholine receptor antibodies (AChR Abs).

Findings

Ir-MG signs were never observed in the absence of ir-myositis (pathological diagnosis (n = 12/14) or CK levels >8000 U/L (n = 2/14)). Among ir-myositis patients, fatigability (2%; n = 1/62) and RNS decrement (2%; n = 1/41) were demonstrated only in one patient with pre-existing MG. AChR Abs testing yielded positive results in 26% of ir-myositis patients (n = 14/53). We revealed that test results were already positive prior to ICI therapy (n = 8/9). Clinically, ir-myositis frequently presented with "MG-like" oculomotor disease (50%; n = 31/62), bulbar dysfunction affecting speech (29%; n = 18/62) and swallowing (42%; n = 26/62), and respiratory disorders (53%; n = 33/62). Extraocular and diaphragm muscles necropsies disclosed intense muscle inflammation (100%; n = 5/5).

Interpretation

In our extensive database, we found no evidence of isolated ir-MG, nor of clear neuromuscular junction dysfunction in ir-myositis. These findings suggest that patients with ir-MG suspicion frequently have ir-myositis and ir-MG might be rare. "MG-like" symptoms may stem from ir-myositis-specific predilection for oculo-bulbo-respiratory musculature. Indeed, we revealed florid inflammatory infiltration of the oculomotor and respiratory muscles. Additional studies are needed to confirm these results and to elucidate the role of pre-existing AChR Abs in ir-myositis.

Funding

None.

SUBMITTER: Plomp L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11782875 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature