Neurotoxicity is a general term used to describe any side effect that affects the nervous system. In the context of cancer treatment, it can include direct damage to nerve cells, disruption of the communication between brain cells, or an immune reaction against the nervous system.

What is ICANS? 

ICANS (immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome) is a type of neurotoxicity that occurs when activated immune cells cross the blood/brain barrier and leak into the brain, causing inflammation and damage to the brain tissue. It is a common and potentially serious side effect of certain immunotherapies, including bispecific antibody therapy. 

ICANS can occur at any time during the treatment process. Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing ICANS and minimizing its impact on quality of life. As a patient, family member, or caregiver, it's important to be aware of ICANS symptoms and be prepared to report any irregularities to your healthcare team.

ICANS symptoms tend to appear slightly later than cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and last longer than CRS side effects. Similar to CRS, most patients experience low-grade ICANS, which usually can be resolved within a week with treatment with no permanent damange to the nervous system.