Neuronal Antibody Profile (Paraneoplastic Syndrome Profile) Test
Neuronal Antibody Profile (Paraneoplastic Syndrome Profile) Test
Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNS) are rare disorders caused by an immune response against neuronal antigens in association with an underlying malignancy. The Neuronal Antibody Profile (Paraneoplastic Syndrome Profile) Test detects autoantibodies targeting neuronal proteins, aiding in the diagnosis of paraneoplastic syndromes linked to cancers such as small cell lung cancer (SCLC), breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and thymoma.
Paraneoplastic syndromes result from immune-mediated neuronal damage, affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. Early detection of neuronal autoantibodies helps in identifying an underlying malignancy, guiding further investigations and treatment.
What is the Neuronal Antibody Profile (Paraneoplastic Syndrome Profile) Test Used For?
This test is used to:
- Detect neuronal autoantibodies associated with paraneoplastic syndromes.
- Identify underlying malignancies linked to neurological dysfunction.
- Differentiate paraneoplastic syndromes from other neurological disorders.
- Guide treatment strategies by identifying immune-mediated neurological conditions.
Antibodies Included in the Neuronal Antibody Profile
The test detects autoantibodies against the following neuronal antigens
Amphiphysin
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Associated with stiff-person syndrome (SPS) and breast cancer.
Anti-Hu (ANNA-1) Antibody
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Found in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and sensory neuronopathy.
CV2 (CRMP5)
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Linked to lung cancer and autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
GAD 65 (Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase 65) Antibod
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Associated with stiff-person syndrome, cerebellar ataxia, and type 1 diabetes.
PNMA2 (Ma2/Ta)
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Found in testicular cancer and limbic encephalitis.
Recoverin
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Associated with cancer-associated retinopathy (CAR) and small cell lung cancer.
Ri (ANNA-2) Antibody
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Seen in breast cancer and opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome.
Sox-1
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Linked to small cell lung cancer and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS).
Titin
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Associated with thymoma and myasthenia gravis.
TR (DNER, Delta/Notch-like Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor)
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Found in Hodgkin’s lymphoma and cerebellar ataxia.
Yo (PCA-1, Purkinje Cell Antibody 1)
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Seen in breast and ovarian cancer-associated cerebellar degeneration.
Zic4
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Linked to small cell lung cancer and cerebellar dysfunction.
Symptoms of Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndromes
Paraneoplastic syndromes can affect multiple areas of the nervous system and may present with
Cerebellar ataxia (loss of coordination and balance)
Limbic encephalitis (memory loss, confusion, seizures)
Neuropathy (sensory and motor dysfunction)
Stiff-person syndrome (muscle rigidity and spasms)
Myasthenic symptoms (muscle weakness, fatigue)
Preparation for the Test
No special preparation is required. A blood sample is drawn from a vein. Inform your doctor about any neurological symptoms or suspected malignancies.
Interpretation of Results
Amphiphysin- Positive- Stiff-Person Syndrome (SPS), Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndromes (PNS), Breast Cancer
Anti-Hu (ANNA-1)- Positive- Paraneoplastic Encephalomyelitis, Sensory Neuropathy, Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
CV2 (CRMP5)-Positive- Paraneoplastic Neuropathy, Limbic Encephalitis, SCLC, Thymoma
GAD 65 (Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase 65) Antibody- Positive- Stiff-Person Syndrome (SPS), Autoimmune Diabetes (Type 1), Cerebellar Ataxia
PNMA2 (Ma2/Ta)- Positive- Limbic Encephalitis, Testicular Cancer, Brainstem Encephalitis
Recoverin- Positive- Paraneoplastic Retinopathy (PR), Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), Melanoma
Ri (ANNA-2)- Positive- Paraneoplastic Brainstem Encephalitis, SCLC, Breast Cancer
Sox-1-Positive- Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS), SCLC
Titin- Positive- Myasthenia Gravis (Late-Onset), Thymoma
TR (DNER, Delta/Notch-like Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor)- Positive- Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration (PCD), Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Yo (PCA-1, Purkinje Cell Antibody 1)- Positive- Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration (PCD), Ovarian or Breast Cancer
Zic4- Positive- Cerebellar Dysfunction, SCLC
FAQs
Can paraneoplastic syndromes occur without cancer?
Yes, but they are most commonly associated with an underlying malignancy. Further testing may be needed to confirm a diagnosis.
How is a paraneoplastic syndrome treated?
Treatment focuses on managing the immune response (immunotherapy, corticosteroids, IVIG, plasmapheresis) and treating the underlying cancer.
What cancers are most commonly associated with paraneoplastic syndromes?
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC), breast cancer, ovarian cancer, thymoma, testicular cancer, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma are frequently linked to PNS.
Can symptoms improve with treatment?
Yes, early diagnosis and effective cancer treatment can improve or stabilize symptoms in many cases.
What additional tests may be required if PNS is suspected?
MRI, PET scans, CSF analysis, and additional tumor markers may be needed for further assessment.