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[Three cases of corneal disorders associated with an oral anticancer drug S-1]
1Department of Ophthalmology, Tosei General Hospital, 160 Nishioiwake-cho, Seto 489-8642, Japan.
Purpose:
S-1 is a new oral anticancer drug containing tegafur, which is a prodrug of 5-fluorouracil. In this report, we describe the clinical features of three patients who suffered corneal disorders that seemed to be caused by S-1 administration.
Cases:
One female and two male patients, whose ages ranged from 57 to 69 years, were entered in this study. Between 3 to 14 months after they started oral S-1 therapy, they experienced sudden visual reduction. They all had corneal disorders, which occurred in the inferior and the superior areas, and progressed toward the center. As the corneal disorders invaded the pupil area, the patients noticed visual disturbance. They recovered their vision and their corneal disorders diminished when the drug was discontinued. However, after the drug intake was resumed, the corneal disorders occurred again in some cases. All patients also had lacrimal obstructions.
Conclusion:
S-1 treated patients should be followed carefully for ophthalmic complications because corneal disorders are likely to appear.
Insights
Oral S-1 anticancer drug can cause vision problems. Patients taking S-1 may develop corneal disorders, impacting vision, requiring careful ophthalmic monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- S-1 is an oral anticancer prodrug of 5-fluorouracil.
- Tegafur is the active component in S-1.
Observation:
- Three patients (1 female, 2 male; ages 57-69) developed corneal disorders after 3-14 months of S-1 therapy.
- Corneal disorders affected inferior and superior areas, progressing centrally, causing visual reduction.
- Symptoms resolved upon S-1 discontinuation and recurred in some cases upon re-initiation. All patients experienced lacrimal obstructions.
Findings:
- S-1 administration is associated with the development of corneal disorders.
- Corneal disorders can lead to significant visual disturbances.
- Lacrimal obstruction is a potential concurrent complication.
Implications:
- Ophthalmologists should be aware of potential S-1-induced ocular toxicity.
- Careful ophthalmic monitoring is recommended for patients undergoing S-1 treatment.
- Early detection and management of corneal complications may prevent irreversible vision loss.
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