From Biology to Treatment of Monoclonal Gammopathies of Neurological Significance

Abstract

Simple SummaryThe peripheral nervous systems may be involved by several hematological diseases ranging from preneoplastic diseases to overt malignancies or paraneoplastic syndromes. In most cases, a monoclonal paraprotein plays a pivotal role in the damage of peripheral nervous systems through different mechanisms. For these reasons, the multidisciplinary approach between hematologist and neurologist is fundamental to correctly diagnose and treat monoclonal gammopathies of neurological significance. We reviewed the biologic, clinic and neurophysiological features, as well as tailored treatments of monoclonal gammopathies of neurological significance.Monoclonal gammopathy and peripheral neuropathy are common diseases of elderly patients, and almost 10% of patients with neuropathy of unknown cause have paraprotein. However, growing evidence suggests that several hematological malignancies synthesize and release monoclonal proteins that damage the peripheral nervous system through different mechanisms. The spectrum of the disease varies from mild to rapidly progressive symptoms, sometimes affecting not only sensory nerve fibers, but also motor and autonomic fibers. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach, mainly between hematologists and neurologists, is recommended in order to establish the correct diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathy of neurological significance and to tailor therapy based on specific genetic mutations. In this review, we summarize the spectrum of monoclonal gammopathies of neurological significance, their distinctive clinical and neurophysiological phenotypes, the most relevant pathophysiological events and new therapeutic approaches.