Paraneoplastic Syndrome Associated Immune Complications: A Narrative Review of the Literature

Abstract

Paraneoplastic syndromes occur in cancer patients due to an alteration in their immune response. There are several factors that may result in the occurrence of paraneoplastic syndrome, including the presence of abnormal cytokines that cause widespread effects throughout the body. The paraneoplastic syndrome may be present in patients before a diagnosis of cancer, and thus, understanding it is crucial as it will help achieve a timely diagnosis, which may aid in improving the chance of treatment. It is associated with several complications/presentations in patients. In this review, we will discuss several paraneoplastic syndrome associated complications, including hypercoagulable state, venous thromboembolism, arterial thromboembolism, thrombotic microangiopathy, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and malignancy associated non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis. Although some are rare, it is vital for clinicians to have a knowledge of each to allow time for management.