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Ocular toxicities of MEK inhibitors and other targeted therapies

N Stjepanovic1, J P Velazquez-Martin2, P L Bedard1

  • 1Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre-University Health Network, Toronto; Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto.

Annals of Oncology : Official Journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology
|March 9, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Molecular targeted therapies can cause ocular toxicity, including MEK retinopathy. This review details the incidence, symptoms, and management of these vision-related side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Ophthalmology

Background:

  • Anticancer therapies, including chemotherapy and targeted treatments, can cause ocular toxicity.
  • Novel agents targeting cellular pathways are associated with various ophthalmologic toxicities, from mild to severe.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review ophthalmologic toxicities associated with molecular targeted therapies.
  • To focus on MEK retinopathy, detailing its nomenclature, incidence, symptoms, and management.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of ocular toxicities from molecular targeted therapies.
  • Specific focus on MEK inhibitors and their associated retinopathy.

Main Results:

  • Molecular targeted therapies present a spectrum of ocular toxicities.
  • MEK inhibitors are associated with a characteristic "MEK retinopathy".

Conclusions:

  • Understanding and managing ocular toxicities from targeted therapies is crucial.
  • MEK retinopathy requires specific attention due to its predictable occurrence with MEK inhibitors.
Keywords:
MEK retinopathyantineoplastic agentsmitogen-activated protein kinaseocular toxicitytargeted therapies

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