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Updated: Feb 18, 2026
Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Model for Ischemic Retinal Diseases in Rodents
Published on: September 16, 2020
IMMUNE RETINOPATHY ASSOCIATED WITH NIVOLUMAB ADMINISTRATION FOR METASTATIC NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER
Manisha Reddy1, Judy J Chen1,2, Ananda Kalevar1,2
1West Coast Retina Medical Group, San Francisco, California; and.
Purpose:
To present a novel case of immune retinopathy associated with nivolumab therapy for non-small cell lung cancer.
Methods:
Retrospective chart review.
Results:
A 64-year-old woman presented with photoreceptor injury evidenced by hypoautofluorescent and hyperautofluorescent patches on fundus autofluorescence, loss of the ellipsoid zone on optical coherence tomography, and dysfunction of the rods and cones on electroretinogram. She had a history of Stage IV lung adenocarcinoma, treated with nivolumab, a checkpoint inhibitor. Serology testing was negative for paraneoplastic antibody panel, antirecoverin and antienolase antibodies, but positive for antiretinal antibodies against 30-kDa (carbonic anhydrase II), 35-kDa (GADPH), 38-kDA, 58-kDa (PKM2), and 112-kDa proteins. Cessation of the medication and high-dose oral steroids resulted in resolution of her symptoms and stability of ocular findings.
Conclusion:
The checkpoint inhibitors, including nivolumab, have significant ocular side effects. All patients receiving nivolumab should undergo a baseline comprehensive eye examination and should be counseled to seek medical attention immediately if visual changes occur.
