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[Ocular side effects of modern oncological therapy : Immunological checkpoint and MEK/BRAF signal transduction

Stephan Thurau1, Gerhild Wildner1, Maria-Andreea Gamulescu2

  • 1Augenklinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, München, Deutschland.

Die Ophthalmologie
|May 9, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Checkpoint inhibitors, including iCPIs and signal transduction inhibitors, offer revolutionary cancer treatment but can cause ocular side effects like uveitis. This review details their mechanisms and common eye complications to raise awareness.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Context:

  • Checkpoint inhibitors have transformed cancer therapy, improving patient survival and quality of life.
  • These therapies include immunological checkpoint inhibitors (iCPIs) and signal transduction inhibitors.
  • Both drug classes are associated with ocular side effects, ranging from inflammatory to toxic.

Purpose:

  • To characterize the mechanisms of action for checkpoint inhibitor therapies.
  • To present frequently used therapeutic agents and their associated ophthalmological side effects.
  • To increase awareness of these rare but increasingly common ocular findings.

Summary:

  • Checkpoint inhibitors, vital in modern oncology, can induce ocular inflammation (uveitis) in 1-2% of patients.
  • Signal transduction inhibitors may cause toxic ocular side effects in over 50% of cases.
  • This review details the mechanisms and common ocular side effects of these treatments.

Impact:

  • Enhances understanding of ocular toxicities associated with novel cancer treatments.
  • Aims to improve patient care by highlighting potential ophthalmological complications.
  • Supports early detection and management of vision-threatening side effects in cancer patients.
Keywords:
Central serous chorioretinopathyImmunostimulationSubstance classesTherapeutic agentsUveitis

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