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Published on: September 18, 2013

Ocular side effects in chronic myeloid leukemia patients treated with imatinib

Massimo Breccia1, Fabiana Gentilini, Laura Cannella

  • 1Department of Cellular Biotechnology and Hematology, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy. breccia@bce.uniroma.it

Leukemia Research
|December 7, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Imatinib mesylate, used for Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML), can cause various ocular side effects. These range from mild eyelid swelling to severe conditions like glaucoma.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Imatinib mesylate is a targeted therapy for Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML).
  • Ocular toxicity of imatinib mesylate is not well-documented, with periorbital edema being the most frequent adverse effect.
  • Understanding the full spectrum of ocular complications is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the range of ocular complications observed in patients treated with imatinib mesylate for Ph+ CML.
  • To highlight the spectrum of adverse ocular events associated with imatinib therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of ocular adverse events in patients with Ph+ CML treated with imatinib mesylate.
  • Clinical data review focusing on ophthalmological findings.

Main Results:

  • A wide spectrum of ocular adverse effects was observed.
  • Reported complications included periorbital edema and more severe events such as glaucoma.

Conclusions:

  • Imatinib mesylate treatment can lead to a diverse range of ocular complications.
  • Ophthalmologists should be aware of these potential adverse effects, including serious conditions like glaucoma, in patients receiving imatinib.

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