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Published on: April 24, 2020
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Corneal endothelial cell density in patients receiving chemotherapy
Shawn P Gallagher1, Barton L Halpern2, Shanthi Sivendran3,4
1Department of Psychology, Millersville University of Pennsylvania, Millersville, PA, USA.
Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology
|June 2, 2021
Summary
Chemotherapy did not significantly impact corneal endothelial cell density in patients over two years. This finding contrasts with known effects on the corneal epithelium, suggesting the endothelium may be resilient to certain chemotherapy agents.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Chemotherapy is known to cause various side effects.
- Previous research indicates potential adverse effects on the corneal epithelium.
- The impact of chemotherapy on the corneal endothelium remains less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential effects of chemotherapy on the corneal endothelium.
- To assess changes in endothelial cell density following chemotherapy treatment.
Main Methods:
- Recruitment of chemotherapy patients for the study.
- Specular microscopy performed at baseline, 1-year, and 2-year follow-ups.
- Comparison of endothelial cell density between baseline and follow-up assessments.
Main Results:
- Forty-six volunteers completed the study with at least one follow-up.
- No statistically significant change in endothelial cell density was observed at one year (n=41) or two years (n=18).
- Mean changes in endothelial cell density were 0.73% at one year and 0.31% at two years.
Conclusions:
- Chemotherapy treatment did not result in measurable changes to corneal endothelial cell density in this cohort.
- The corneal endothelium appears to be unaffected by chemotherapy, unlike the corneal epithelium.
- Further research may explore the differential effects of chemotherapy on ocular structures.
