Characterization of Serous Retinopathy Associated with Cobimetinib: Integrated Safety Analysis of Four Studies

Giulio Barteselli1, Grant R Goodman1, Yogesh Patel2

  • 1Genentech, Inc. (a Member of the Roche Group), 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, USA.

Drug Safety
|October 31, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Serous retinopathy associated with cobimetinib, a MEK inhibitor, is manageable with or without dose modification, with no identified visual loss or permanent retinal damage.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Serous retinopathy is a known ocular side effect of MEK inhibitors like cobimetinib.
  • Understanding the functional and structural ocular changes associated with cobimetinib is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize ocular functional and structural changes in patients treated with cobimetinib.
  • To analyze the incidence, timing, and resolution of serous retinopathy events.

Main Methods:

  • Integrated safety analysis of four clinical studies involving cobimetinib in combination with other oncology drugs.
  • Standardized ophthalmologic assessments were used, with study CO39721 being the primary source for detailed characterization.

Main Results:

  • 17.9% of 655 patients experienced serous retinopathy events, with Grade 3 events in <2.5%.
  • Median time to onset was 15 days, and median time to resolution was 26 days.
  • 48% recovered without dose modification; no visual loss or acuity impairment was observed.

Conclusions:

  • Cobimetinib-associated serous retinopathy is manageable, with treatment decisions made at the physician's discretion.
  • Comprehensive assessments confirmed no permanent retinal damage or visual loss.

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