How to manage or treat paraneoplastic syndromes
Paraneoplastic syndromes can be managed by treating underlying cancer. In some cases, your healthcare provider will try to reduce any damage to your organs or systems.
Your doctor may recommend these therapies to treat paraneoplastic syndromes:
- Corticosteroids: Drugs like Prednisone or cortisone can help reduce inflammation (swelling).
- Immunosuppression: Your doctor prescribes these drugs to decrease your body’s immune response. The medication recommended will depend on the severity of your condition.
- Intravenous immunoglobulin: This therapy kills the antibodies fighting your healthy cells. Your healthcare provider administers a shot of harmless antibodies to destroy the dangerous ones.
- Plasmapheresis: This procedure is used to reduce the number of antibodies. It involves removing plasma that contains harmful antibodies from your blood.
- Physical and speech therapy: Your doctor may recommend muscle exercises to boost your ability to move or talk properly. This therapy is mostly recommended for people with neurological paraneoplastic syndrome.