Reversible Retinopathy Associated with Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitor

Saagar N Patel1, Mona L Camacci1, Esther M Bowie1

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA.

Insights

A patient taking erdafitinib developed reversible pseudovitelliform lesions. Vision improved and lesions resolved after discontinuing this pan-fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitor.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Pembrolizumab (PD-1 inhibitor) and erdafitinib (pan-fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitor) are used in cancer treatment.
  • Drug-induced ocular side effects can impact patient vision and require careful monitoring.

Observation:

  • A 61-year-old patient experienced metamorphopsia (distorted vision) lasting 3 days.
  • Ophthalmic examination revealed bilateral pseudovitelliform macular lesions 6 weeks after starting erdafitinib therapy.

Findings:

  • The patient's visual complaints and pseudovitelliform lesions resolved after discontinuing erdafitinib.
  • Optical coherence tomography confirmed the decrease in macular lesions.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for erdafitinib to cause reversible macular abnormalities.
  • Early recognition and drug discontinuation may prevent persistent visual impairment.
  • Further research is needed to understand the mechanism and incidence of these ocular side effects.

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