Can immunotherapy cause tingling, and how to cope

Yes, some immunotherapy treatments can cause tingling or numbness in the fingers and toes by affecting peripheral nerves. ^[1] This tingling (often called paresthesia) may be mild and short‑term, but in some cases it can persist longer. ^[2]

What it feels like

• Numbness, tingling, burning, or pain in the fingers or toes. ^[3]
• Trouble feeling the ground when walking or difficulty with fine tasks like buttoning a shirt. ^[3]
• Symptoms can be intermittent or continuous, and the duration varies between individuals. ^[2]

Why it happens

Some immunotherapies can trigger nerve irritation or inflammation, leading to peripheral neuropathy (nerve‑related symptoms in hands/feet). ^[1] This presents predominantly as sensory changes such as tingling or numbness. ^[4]

When to seek help

• Tingling or numbness that’s getting worse. ^[3]
• Trouble handling small objects or walking safely. ^[3]
• Pain or burning in fingers or toes. ^[3]
  These can signal worsening neuropathy and should be discussed promptly with your oncology team. ^[3]

Practical ways to cope

• Stay physically active with gentle exercise to support circulation and nerve health. ^[2]
• Avoid alcohol and quit smoking, which can aggravate nerve symptoms. ^[2]
• Protect from cold with warm socks and gloves to reduce tingling flares. ^[2]
• Prevent burns: test bath water, use oven mitts, and be careful with hot surfaces if sensation is reduced. ^[2]
• Footwear and fall safety: choose shoes with non‑slip soles and good heel support; walk carefully if feet are numb. ^[5]
• Consider acupuncture as a complementary option to help symptoms in some people. ^[5]

Your clinician may also offer medications for neuropathic pain/tingling to help ease symptoms. ^[2] If symptoms are more severe, your team may adjust or temporarily hold treatment following immune‑related adverse event management principles. ^[6]

Risk factors and patterns to know

Peripheral neuropathy tends to be symmetrical and starts in fingers/toes, sometimes progressing in a “glove and stocking” pattern. ^[4] It can be influenced by prior neurotoxic treatments, diabetes, alcohol use, smoking, or vitamin deficiencies. ^[7]

What your care team may do

• Assess severity and rule out other causes (e.g., diabetes, vitamin deficits). ^[7]
• Provide symptom‑relief medications and safety guidance. ^[2]
• Monitor closely and adjust cancer therapy if symptoms reach higher grades or don’t improve with supportive care. ^[6]

Key takeaways

• Tingling can occur with certain immunotherapies and is a known nerve‑related side effect. ^[1]
• Most cases are manageable with lifestyle measures and symptom‑relief strategies, and your team can guide medication options. ^[2]
• Worsening or function‑limiting symptoms warrant prompt medical review to keep you safe and protect nerve health. ^[3]