Crizotinib-Associated Uveitis and Scleritis with Abscess Formation

To report a case series of uveitis and scleritis in patients receiving crizotinib for the treatment of lung cancer.

Retrospective case series.

Two female patients (aged 62 and 68 years) who had been on long-term crizotinib treatment (29 and 28 months, respectively) presented with a unique manifestation of unilateral panuveitis and scleritis accompanied by massive abscess formation. Despite extensive microbiologic and cytologic testing, all results were negative. The intraocular inflammation was refractory to systemic and intravitreal antibiotics, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, and biologic therapy; however, both cases showed dramatic improvement after switching to alternative tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

A vision-threatening or treatment-refractory form of uveitis and necrotizing scleritis with abscess formation can develop in patients receiving crizotinib. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of crizotinib-associated ocular inflammation in lung cancer patients to avoid unnecessary diagnostic workups and inappropriate treatments.