Paraneoplastic Syndromes Medication

Updated: Mar 14, 2023
  • Author: Luigi Santacroce, MD; Chief Editor: Wafik S El-Deiry, MD, PhD  more...
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Medication

Medication Summary

In patients with paraneoplastic syndromes, therapeutic protocols are those that are usually applied to the underlying neoplastic disorder. If autoantibodies are detected, the best drug to use may be cyclosporine.

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Immunosuppressive drugs

Class Summary

These agents promote immune suppressor cell function related to production of autoimmune reactions.

Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Cyclic polypeptide that suppresses some humoral immunity and, to greater extent, cell-mediated immune reactions, such as delayed hypersensitivity, allograft rejection, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, and graft-versus-host disease for variety of organs. Reserve IV use only for those who cannot take PO.

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Lymphocyte immune globulins

Class Summary

These agents may help suppress immune reactions.

Antithymocyte globulin (Atgam)

Polyclonal IgG cluster against human T lymphocytes. Obtained from horses or rabbits hyperimmunized with human thymus lymphocytes.

Reduces lymphocyte count 85-90% after first dose, as long as circulating antibody concentrations remain high.

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Corticosteroids

Class Summary

These agents may be useful in suppressing immune cell function.

Prednisone (Deltasone, Meticorten, Orasone, Sterapred)

Immunosuppressant for treatment of autoimmune disorders; may decrease inflammation by reversing increased capillary permeability and suppressing PMN activity. Four times as potent as natural glucocorticoids.

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