REVERSIBLE RETINAL TOXICITY IN A PATIENT TAKING AXITINIB
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Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Toxicity Screens in Human Retinal Organoids for Pharmaceutical Discovery
Published on: March 4, 2021
Thomas L Jenkins1, Christopher M Aderman, Allen C Ho
1Mid Atlantic Retina, The Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Purpose:
Axitinib (Inlyta, New York, NY) is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma after failure of one previous systemic therapy. A case of bilateral retinal hemorrhages and cotton wool spots associated with axitinib is reported.
Methods:
A 62-year-old woman with a 4-year history of renal cell carcinoma with metastases was treated with axitinib at a maximum oral daily dose of 8 mg. Soon after beginning higher dose therapy, she developed blurred vision, floaters, and photopsias.
Results:
Funduscopic examination of both eyes revealed cotton wool spots and retinal hemorrhages that improved with cessation of therapy.
Conclusion:
Axitinib may be associated with microangiopathic retinal toxicity.
Insights
Axitinib, a kinase inhibitor for advanced renal cell carcinoma, may cause retinal toxicity. This case report details vision changes and retinal findings in a patient treated with axitinib.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
Background:
- Axitinib is a targeted therapy for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
- Understanding potential side effects is crucial for patient management.
Observation:
- A patient with metastatic RCC developed blurred vision, floaters, and photopsias.
- These symptoms emerged after initiating higher-dose axitinib therapy.
Findings:
- Funduscopic examination revealed bilateral retinal hemorrhages and cotton wool spots.
- These ocular findings demonstrated improvement upon discontinuation of axitinib.
Implications:
- Axitinib may be associated with microangiopathic retinal toxicity.
- Ophthalmologic monitoring may be warranted in patients receiving axitinib.
- This case highlights a potential adverse event of axitinib therapy.
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