Corneal pseudomicrocysts following claudin-6 antibody-drug conjugate infusion

To report a case of bilateral corneal pseudomicrocysts associated with infusions of a novel antibody-drug conjugate targeting claudin-6, called TORL-1-23.

A 47-year-old female with a history of advanced recurrent serous ovarian cancer presented to a level 1 tertiary care center with ocular irritation, redness, tearing, and light sensitivity following two infusions of TORL-1-23. Patient's past ocular history was unremarkable. The patient was enrolled in a phase 1 clinical trial for TORL-1-23, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). Nine days following the second infusion the patient presented to the ophthalmology clinic complaining of two weeks of bilateral eye discomfort, tearing, and photophobia. On examination, the patient had decreased visual acuity with a surface keratopathy associated with a whorled pattern of epithelial pseudomicrocysts in both eyes. Corneal changes were concentrated between the inferior limbus and central cornea. The remainder of the ophthalmic exam was unremarkable. Collagen and silicone punctal plugs were placed and the patient was started on preservative free artificial tears, topical loteprednol 0.5 %, later replaced with topical prednisolone acetate 1 % drops, and brimonidine 0.2 % in both eyes. The patient developed neuropathy which necessitated a decrease in ADC dosage and the patient's symptoms subsequently improved. However, a decrease in visual acuity and increase in corneal pseudomicrocysts was seen after the fifth infusion. Corneal disease improved with the placement of new collagen punctal plugs and addition of cyclosporine 0.05 % eye drops in both eyes. Ocular symptoms and exam findings waxed and waned with continued infusions of the ADC.

This case reports an incidence of corneal pseudomicrocysts associated with TORL-1-23 treatment, which should be recognized as a potential adverse effect of this novel therapy.