Neuroleptic malignant syndrome in patients with cancer: a systematic review
- 15 May 2020
- journal article
- review article
- Published by BMJ in BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care
- Vol. 10 (3), 265-270
- https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjspcare-2020-002200
Abstract
Background Antipsychotics potentially cause a low incidence of the side effect called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), which has a high mortality rate. However, few studies on NMS among patients with cancer exist. Aims We aimed to examine the characteristics of antipsychotic-induced NMS among patients with cancer. Methods We conducted a systematic review of published reports on NMS described during the treatment of patients with any type of cancer. Articles were identified by a comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library and reference lists from relevant articles published until 25 December 2019. Original articles or case reports on humans published in English were included. This review summarises the symptoms, characteristics, treatment course and prognosis of patients with cancer with NMS. Results Eleven patients with various cancer types from ten case reports published from 1988 to 2013 met the eligibility criteria. Mean age of the 11 patients was 52.5 (range, 32–83) years. NMS developed mostly during the postoperative period, and haloperidol and D2 receptor antagonists were determined as the common causative drugs. Ten patients survived following treatment that mostly involved discontinuing the causative drugs and administering dantrolene, if necessary. Conclusion Although NMS intrinsically has a low incidence and high mortality, only few reports were available, with most patients surviving after early detection and appropriate treatment. Healthcare providers should consider NMS development while prescribing antipsychotics to ensure prompt recognition of the condition and rapid treatment for preventing unnecessary deaths.Keywords
Funding Information
- The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (Grants-in-Aid for Young Scientists (KAKENHI Grant)
- the Keihanshin Consortium for Fostering the Next Generation of Global Leaders in Research
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