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Acute Subretinal Fluid Accumulation Induced by Futibatinib Therapy for Malignant Metastatic Breast Cancer
Abstract:
Futibatinib is an irreversible inhibitor of fibroblast growth factor receptors and is currently the subject of phase II clinical trials for the treatment of metastatic carcinomas. We report a case of a 59-year-old woman with metastatic malignant breast cancer who developed acute symptomatic subretinal fluid (SRF) accumulation after two weeks of futibatinib therapy. The SRF resolved within two weeks after futibatinib cessation. The medication was subsequently restarted at a lower dose, and SRF recurred within two weeks. To our knowledge, this is the first case depicting rapidly reversible SRF accumulation with the use of futibatinib in a real-world clinical setting. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:109-111.].
Insights
Futibatinib, a cancer drug, caused temporary fluid buildup in the eye of a breast cancer patient. Symptoms resolved upon stopping the drug, highlighting a reversible side effect for fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Futibatinib is an investigational irreversible inhibitor targeting fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs).
- It is under evaluation in Phase II clinical trials for advanced carcinomas.
- Fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling plays a role in various cancers and ocular development.
Observation:
- A 59-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer developed acute symptomatic subretinal fluid (SRF).
- This ocular event occurred two weeks after initiating futibatinib therapy.
- The subretinal fluid resolved within two weeks of discontinuing futibatinib.
Findings:
- Recurrence of SRF was observed within two weeks upon restarting futibatinib at a reduced dose.
- This case represents the first documented instance of rapidly reversible SRF accumulation associated with futibatinib use.
- The findings suggest a direct, albeit temporary, link between futibatinib and the development of subretinal fluid.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of potential ocular side effects, such as SRF, with FGFR inhibitors like futibatinib.
- Monitoring for visual disturbances may be warranted in patients receiving futibatinib.
- The reversible nature of the SRF suggests a potential for dose modification or temporary cessation to manage this adverse event.

