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Updated: Jun 15, 2026
07:22
Quantitative Fundus Autofluorescence for the Evaluation of Retinal Diseases
Published on: March 11, 2016
Rapid vision loss associated with fludarabine administration.
Rachel J Bishop1, Xiaoyan Ding, Charles K Heller
1National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. bishopra@nei.nih.gov
Retina (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|March 13, 2010
Summary
Fludarabine toxicity can cause rapid, severe vision loss due to retinal cell damage. Consider this toxicity in patients experiencing vision loss after fludarabine treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuro-oncology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Fludarabine is an alkylating agent used in chemotherapy.
- Its potential ocular toxicity is not well-documented.
- This study investigates vision loss in patients treated with fludarabine.
Observation:
- Three patients developed rapid, severe vision loss after fludarabine administration.
- Two patients had punctate yellow flecks in the macula.
- Electrophysiological testing revealed decreased B-waves; pathology showed retinal cell loss and optic nerve atrophy.
Findings:
- Fludarabine toxicity is linked to significant vision loss.
- Retinal bipolar and ganglion cells are damaged.
- Optic nerve atrophy is a consistent pathological finding.
Implications:
- Ophthalmologists and oncologists should be aware of fludarabine-induced vision loss.
- Prompt consideration of fludarabine toxicity is crucial for patients with unexplained vision loss post-treatment.
- Further research into preventative or therapeutic strategies is warranted.
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