[Ocular disorders of anticancer drugs--ocular side effects]

Hiroya Kashiwagi1

  • 1Division of Opthalmology, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Sunto-gun, Shizuoka, Japan.

Insights

Anticancer drugs can cause various eye disorders affecting the ocular surface, retina, and optic nerve. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, as some effects may be irreversible.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Context:

  • Sporadic reports exist on anticancer drug ocular side effects.
  • Few well-organized studies detail these adverse events.
  • Anticancer drugs impact ocular surface, retina, optic nerve, and lacrimal ducts.

Purpose:

  • To report eye disorders caused by anticancer drugs.
  • To highlight specific drugs and their associated ocular toxicities.
  • To emphasize the need for early diagnosis and management.

Summary:

  • Gefitinib, erlotinib, and cetuximab are associated with anterior ocular segment disorders.
  • S-1, erlotinib, docetaxel, paclitaxel, and tamoxifen can cause lacrimal duct and retinal issues.
  • Optic neuropathy is linked to 5-fluorouracil, S-1, and docetaxel.

Impact:

  • Discontinuation of anticancer drugs may relieve eye disorders.
  • Some ocular side effects can lead to irreversible changes.
  • Further research and ophthalmologist education are needed for prevention and management.

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