Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors have proven antitumor effects on several types of cancer and are generally well-tolerated. However, in rare events, patients experience immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including severe ocular toxicity.

In an article published in the October 2020 edition of the Journal of Oncology Practice, Amy Schefler, MD, Eric Bernicker, MD, and Cynthia El Rahi, PharmD, BCOP describe a patient’s irAE of panuveitis resulting from treatment for small cell lung cancer (SCLC). The panuveitis, which can lead to blindness, was successfully treated with a dexamethasone intravitreal implant, and the patient was able to resume immunotherapy treatments without recurrence of the eye disease.

This case demonstrates the importance of early recognition and treatment of ocular irAEs in order to avoid permanent cessation of valuable immunotherapy for patients with cancer. For more information, see the full article.