Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2025

Toxicity Screens in Human Retinal Organoids for Pharmaceutical Discovery
07:45

Toxicity Screens in Human Retinal Organoids for Pharmaceutical Discovery

Published on: March 4, 2021

3.3K

MERTK INHIBITOR-ASSOCIATED RETINAL TOXICITY IN A HUMAN.

Anne Strong Caldwell1, Dallin C Milner, Nihaal B Mehta

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.

Retinal Cases & Brief Reports
|September 26, 2024
PubMed
Summary

This study reports MERTK inhibitor-induced retinal toxicity in a human patient, characterized by optical coherence tomography and autofluorescence changes. Close ophthalmologic monitoring is recommended for patients on MERTK inhibitors.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Visual functioning in patients with macular degeneration compared to patients with cataracts.

International journal of ophthalmology·2026
Same author

Imaging Biomarkers To Predict Progression of Intermediate AMD with Avascular Pigment Epithelial Detachment in the University of Colorado AMD Registry.

Research square·2026
Same author

Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Conversion from Intermediate to Advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Journal of vitreoretinal diseases·2026
Same author

Hypertensive Anterior Uveitis Following Intravitreal Faricimab.

Ocular immunology and inflammation·2026
Same author

Spectrum of Colopathy and Severe Polyposis Associated With Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium Maculopathy: A Retrospective Case Series.

American journal of ophthalmology·2026
Same author

The Clinical Association of Maternal Asthma and the Development of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Preterm Infants.

Journal of vitreoretinal diseases·2026

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The MER proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase (MERTK) is crucial for retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) homeostasis and immune regulation.
  • MERTK inhibitors are emerging as potential cancer therapeutics.
  • Understanding potential side effects, such as retinal toxicity, is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a case of MERTK inhibitor-associated retinal toxicity in a human.
  • To document the clinical and imaging findings of this toxicity.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective chart review of a 43-year-old male patient enrolled in a MERTK inhibitor (PF-07265807) trial.
  • Regular ophthalmologic examinations, including dilated fundus exams and ancillary testing, were performed.
  • Ophthalmic imaging, including optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus autofluorescence (FAF), was utilized.
Keywords:
MERTK inhibitordrug toxicity

More Related Videos

In vivo Imaging of Optic Nerve Fiber Integrity by Contrast-Enhanced MRI in Mice
11:38

In vivo Imaging of Optic Nerve Fiber Integrity by Contrast-Enhanced MRI in Mice

Published on: July 22, 2014

13.4K
In Vivo Vascular Injury Readouts in Mouse Retina to Promote Reproducibility
07:35

In Vivo Vascular Injury Readouts in Mouse Retina to Promote Reproducibility

Published on: April 21, 2022

2.1K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 12, 2025

Toxicity Screens in Human Retinal Organoids for Pharmaceutical Discovery
07:45

Toxicity Screens in Human Retinal Organoids for Pharmaceutical Discovery

Published on: March 4, 2021

3.3K
In vivo Imaging of Optic Nerve Fiber Integrity by Contrast-Enhanced MRI in Mice
11:38

In vivo Imaging of Optic Nerve Fiber Integrity by Contrast-Enhanced MRI in Mice

Published on: July 22, 2014

13.4K
In Vivo Vascular Injury Readouts in Mouse Retina to Promote Reproducibility
07:35

In Vivo Vascular Injury Readouts in Mouse Retina to Promote Reproducibility

Published on: April 21, 2022

2.1K

Main Results:

  • The patient initially had normal baseline ophthalmic exams.
  • Seven months after initiating the MERTK inhibitor, signs of retinal toxicity emerged, including disruption of the extrafoveal ellipsoid zone on OCT and extrafoveal hyper-autofluorescence on FAF.
  • Visual acuity remained stable, but the medication was discontinued due to ocular concerns and cancer progression.

Conclusions:

  • Patients undergoing treatment with MERTK inhibitors require vigilant monitoring by an ophthalmologist.
  • Development of MERTK inhibitor-associated retinal toxicity necessitates a multidisciplinary discussion regarding risk-benefit assessment for continued treatment.
  • Ophthalmologists and oncologists should collaborate to manage potential vision loss versus the oncologic benefits of MERTK inhibitors.