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Paraneoplastic Ataxia: Antibodies at the Forefront Have Become Routine Biomarkers

  • Cerebellar Classic
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A Cerebellar Classic to this article was published on 26 July 2022

Abstract

Paraneoplastic cerebellopathies are immune-mediated disorders targeting primarily the cerebellar circuitry, often presenting in a subacute course. The syndrome often develops before the cancer. Therefore, its identification often leads secondarily to a diagnosis of cancer, a critical step to stabilize symptoms. Two categories of antibodies have been identified these last 30 years: (a) onconeuronal antibodies which are directed against intracellular antigens, and (b) antibodies which are directed against synaptic and cell surface proteins. These latter impact on the location and function of the antigens, causing a genuine neuronal dysfunction. Appropriate and fast tumor screening has emerged as a recommendation facing a subacute cerebellar syndrome suspected to be paraneoplastic. Search for antibodies is now a milestone for the diagnosis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sector of Experimental Cognitive Psychology, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Aristotelian University, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece

    Lazaros C. Triarhou

  2. Unité Des Ataxies Cérébelleuses, CHU-Charleroi, Charleroi, Belgium

    Mario Manto

  3. Service Des Neurosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium

    Mario Manto

Authors
  1. Lazaros C. Triarhou
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  2. Mario Manto
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Concept, writing, and approval of the final version: LCT and MM.

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Correspondence to Lazaros C. Triarhou.

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Triarhou, L.C., Manto, M. Paraneoplastic Ataxia: Antibodies at the Forefront Have Become Routine Biomarkers. Cerebellum 22, 534–541 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12311-022-01447-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12311-022-01447-8

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