Ocular Toxicity Profile of Targeted Cancer Therapy (TCT) at a US Tertiary Cancer Center

Moe Ameri1, Nagham Al Zubidi2, Azadeh Razmandi3

  • 1Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, USA.

Cureus
|June 22, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Targeted cancer therapies (TCT) can cause ocular immune-related adverse events (irAEs). This study found specific TCT classes correlate with increased eye toxicity, highlighting the need for screening and management guidelines.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Targeted cancer therapy (TCT) offers improved survival for cancer patients.
  • Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are known side effects of TCT.
  • Ocular toxicities associated with TCT require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate ocular toxicities linked to different classes of TCT.
  • To enhance understanding of TCT-induced ocular toxicities.
  • To inform future recommendations for screening and managing ocular irAEs.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective observational case series.
  • Reviewed medical records of 6,354 patients on TCT from 2010-2019.
  • Included 1,861 patients with ocular immune-related adverse events.

Main Results:

  • TCT is associated with various class-specific ocular irAEs.
  • Polytherapy showed a significant correlation with ocular toxicity (p<0.001).
  • BRAF, EGFR, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) also showed significant correlations with toxicity (p<0.001, p<0.001, and p=0.006, respectively).

Conclusions:

  • This extensive case series demonstrates increased class-specific ocular toxicity risk with TCT.
  • Findings emphasize the importance of standardized grading criteria for ocular irAEs.
  • Development of management guidelines for TCT-related ocular toxicities is crucial.

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