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Ocular Surface Ulceration Associated With an Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitor.
Melody Ziari1, Jacqueline L Chen2, Cipriano Gonzalez3
1Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.
Cornea
|April 1, 2026
Summary
Erlotinib, a lung cancer drug, can cause ocular side effects. This case highlights conjunctival ulceration as a potential adverse effect of erlotinib, emphasizing the need for careful eye monitoring in patients undergoing treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Oncology
Background:
- Erlotinib is a targeted therapy used for lung adenocarcinoma.
- Ocular side effects are known complications of erlotinib treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first case of conjunctival ulceration associated with erlotinib use.
- To highlight potential ocular adverse effects of erlotinib in lung cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- A case report of an 80-year-old woman with lung adenocarcinoma treated with erlotinib.
- Detailed observation of ocular surface changes before, during, and after erlotinib therapy.
Main Results:
- The patient developed conjunctival ulceration and corneal epithelial defects after erlotinib reinitiation.
- Ocular lesions resolved after discontinuation of erlotinib, indicating a potential drug-related effect.
Conclusions:
- Conjunctival ulceration is a newly identified ocular adverse effect of erlotinib.
- Ophthalmologists and oncologists should be aware of the spectrum of erlotinib-induced ocular toxicity.
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