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Updated: Nov 8, 2025
Multifocal Electroretinograms
Published on: December 4, 2011
Multifocal serous retinopathy with pemigatinib therapy for metastatic colon adenocarcinoma
Oleg Alekseev1, Effy Ojuok2, Scott Cousins2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, 2351 Erwin Rd., Durham, NC, 27705, USA. oleg.alekseev@duke.edu.
Background:
Pemigatinib is an inhibitor of the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), recently approved for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma. FGFR retinopathy is a newly recognized entity, with only two other FGFR inhibitors reported to cause serous retinopathy. Herein, we describe the first published report of a multifocal serous retinopathy secondary to pemigatinib.
Case Presentation:
A 67-year-old male with stage 4A metastatic colon adenocarcinoma undergoing systemic therapy with pemigatinib was found to have developed bilateral multifocal serous retinopathy. Fundus autofluorescence showed corresponding multifocal hypoautofluorescent foci, whereas fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography were unremarkable. Subretinal fluid resolved rapidly after discontinuation of pemigatinib.
Conclusions:
Multifocal serous retinopathy appears to be a class effect of FGFR inhibitors. FGFR retinopathy clinically resembles MEK retinopathy-both feature multifocal subretinal fluid, low visual significance, and quick resolution. However, given that FGFR inhibitors have a broader molecular range than MEK inhibitors, further characterization of FGFR retinopathy is necessary to generate management guidelines.
Insights
Pemigatinib, a fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitor, can cause multifocal serous retinopathy. This condition, a potential class effect of FGFR inhibitors, typically resolves after discontinuing the medication.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Pemigatinib is an approved fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitor for cholangiocarcinoma treatment.
- FGFR retinopathy is a newly identified condition, with limited reports linked to FGFR inhibitors.
- This study presents the first documented case of multifocal serous retinopathy associated with pemigatinib.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of multifocal serous retinopathy in a patient treated with pemigatinib.
- To characterize the clinical presentation and imaging findings of pemigatinib-induced retinopathy.
- To discuss the implications for FGFR inhibitor class effects and management.
Main Methods:
- A case report of a 67-year-old male with metastatic colon adenocarcinoma receiving pemigatinib.
- Ophthalmic examination including fundus autofluorescence, fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography.
- Assessment of retinopathy following pemigatinib discontinuation.
Main Results:
- The patient developed bilateral multifocal serous retinopathy.
- Fundus autofluorescence revealed multifocal hypoautofluorescent foci.
- Angiography findings were unremarkable, and subretinal fluid resolved quickly after pemigatinib cessation.
Conclusions:
- Multifocal serous retinopathy may be a class effect of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitors.
- FGFR retinopathy shares clinical similarities with MEK retinopathy, including subretinal fluid and rapid resolution.
- Further research is needed to fully characterize FGFR retinopathy and establish management guidelines due to the broader molecular targets of FGFR inhibitors compared to MEK inhibitors.
