Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2025
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
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.
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.
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.
