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Intraocular levels of methotrexate after intravenous administration
M D de Smet1, V Stark-Vancs, D R Kohler
1Clinical Immunology Section, National Eye Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-1858, USA.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Intravenous administration of methotrexate achieved cytotoxic levels in ocular fluid for a patient with lymphoma. This suggests systemic administration can maintain effective intraocular drug concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Pharmacokinetics
Background:
- Recurrent ocular lymphoma requires effective treatment strategies.
- Systemic administration of chemotherapy is a potential route for ocular drug delivery.
- Methotrexate is a chemotherapy agent used in various cancers.
Observation:
- Methotrexate levels were measured in serum, anterior chamber fluid, and cerebrospinal fluid.
- A patient with recurrent ocular lymphoma received intravenous methotrexate.
- Fluorescence polarization immunoassay was utilized for drug level determination.
Findings:
- Cytotoxic levels of methotrexate were achieved in all measured fluids (serum, anterior chamber, cerebrospinal fluid) at 7 hours during a 24-hour infusion.
- Cytotoxic concentrations of methotrexate persisted in the aqueous humor at 74 hours post-infusion.
Implications:
- Systemic administration of methotrexate can achieve and sustain cytotoxic concentrations within the eye.
- This supports the potential efficacy of intravenous methotrexate for treating ocular lymphoma.
- Further research may explore optimized dosing and duration for sustained intraocular drug levels.