The Ophthalmological Complications of Targeted Agents in Cancer Therapy: What Do We Need to Know as Ophthalmologists?

The document reviewed the ophthalmological complications of targeted cancer therapies, noting that these therapies, unlike traditional chemotherapy, caused distinct eye-related adverse effects. Imatinib led to periorbital edema in up to 70% of patients and epiphora in 20%. Erlotinib and gefitinib were linked to corneal issues and trichomegaly, while perifosine caused severe keratitis. Crizotinib resulted in light-dark accommodation abnormalities in 42% of patients, and sunitinib was associated with reversible cortical blindness. MEK inhibitors caused visual disturbances and retinal vein occlusion. Monoclonal antibodies like cetuximab and bevacizumab had ocular side effects, including abnormal hair growth affecting the cornea and potential keratopathy. The review stressed the importance of ophthalmologists being aware of these toxicities for timely management, recommending a simple screening protocol and close collaboration with oncologists.