A case of trichomegaly of the eyelashes and facial hypertrichosis induced by erlotinib (Tarceva)

Ocular Toxicity of Targeted Anticancer Agents

The proliferation of targeted anticancer agents over the last two decades has revolutionized cancer treatment and improved survival in many previously refractory malignancies. However, many agents are associated with characteristic ophthalmic adverse effects. It is important that ophthalmologists recognize and maintain a high index of suspicion for these side effects in patients on targeted therapy. Most ophthalmic adverse effects can be treated with specific ocular therapy without discontinuation of cancer treatment, although it is important to be aware of the life-threatening and vision-threatening circumstances that would require therapy cessation in conjunction with the patient's oncologist. This review aims to summarize the ophthalmic adverse effects of targeted and hormonal anticancer agents and briefly describe their management.

Optic and otic side effects of molecular targeted therapies

OBJECTIVES

To discuss the optic and otic toxicities associated with molecular targeted therapies including description, presentation, grading, and management of these toxicities.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library and nursing text books.

CONCLUSION

Although targeted therapies often do not have the same systemic toxicities as chemotherapy, they have their own unique side effects. Optic and otic toxicities are seen with a variety of targeted therapies and, although these are not life-threatening toxicities, they do have the potential to severely impair a patient's quality of life.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Baseline optic and otic assessments along with periodic assessments throughout treatment can lead to early recognition of problems with the eyes or ears. Recognition and treatment of these problems will help maintain the patient's quality of life.

Targeted therapy for orbital and periocular basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

To review the literature on targeted therapy for orbital and periocular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and provide examples of patients recently treated with such therapy.

METHODS

The authors reviewed the literature on clinical results of targeted therapy and the molecular basis for targeted therapy in orbital and periocular BCC and cutaneous SCC. The authors also present representative cases from their practice.

RESULTS

Mutation in the patched 1 gene (PTCH1) has been implicated in BCC, and overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been shown in SCC. Vismodegib, an inhibitor of smoothened, which is activated upon binding of hedgehog to Ptc, has been shown to significantly decrease BCC tumor size or even produce complete resolution, especially in cases of basal cell nevus syndrome. Similarly, EGFR inhibitors have been shown to significantly decrease SCC tumor size in cases of locally advanced and metastatic disease. The authors describe successful outcomes after vismodegib treatment in a patient with basal cell nevus syndrome with numerous bulky lesions of the eyelid and periocular region and erlotinib (EGFR inhibitor) treatment in a patient with SCC who was deemed not to be a good surgical candidate because of advanced SCC of the orbit with metastasis to the regional lymph nodes, advanced age, and multiple medical comorbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

Targeted therapy using hedgehog pathway and EGFR inhibitors shows significant promise in treatment of orbital and periocular BCC and cutaneous SCC, respectively. Such targeted therapy may be appropriate for patients who are not good candidates for surgery.

Ocular Toxicity of Targeted Therapies

Molecularly targeted agents are commonly used in oncology practice, and many new targeted agents are currently being tested in clinical trials. Although these agents are thought to be more specific and less toxic then traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy, they are associated with a variety of toxicities, including ocular toxicity. Many of the molecules targeted by anticancer agents are also expressed in ocular tissues. We reviewed the literature for described ocular toxicities associated with both approved and investigational molecularly targeted agents. Ocular toxicity has been described with numerous approved targeted agents and also seems to be associated with several classes of agents currently being tested in early-phase clinical trials. We discuss the proposed pathogenesis, monitoring guidelines, and management recommendations. It is important for oncologists to be aware of the potential for ocular toxicity, with prompt recognition of symptoms that require referral to an ophthalmologist. Ongoing collaboration between oncologists and ocular disease specialists is critical as the use of molecularly targeted agents continues to expand and novel targeted drug combinations are developed.

Follow-up of erlotinib related uveitis

The authors report the follow-up of a 68-year-old lady with bilateral anterior uveitis secondary to erlotinib. Erlotinib was started and stopped after symptoms and signs suggestive of severe bilateral anterior uveitis were noted. The patient developed signs of a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, 12 days after stopping the erlotinib, and recovered without major problems. The patient also reported intermittent low-grade fever since starting erlotinib which resolved after stopping this drug. No further symptoms of uveitis were noted up to 6 month follow-up. The patient reported improved well being, resolution of ocular symptoms and intermittent low-grade fever at last follow-up (6 months after stopping erlotinib).

Erlotinib-related bilateral anterior uveitis

The authors report the case of a 68-year-old woman with secondary adenocarcinoma of the lungs from an unknown primary. Erlotinib was started which produced symptoms suggestive of uveitis. Erlotinib was stopped and restarted a month later at a lower dose, which resulted in severe bilateral anterior uveitis. The uveitis settled after stopping erlotinib and treatment with topical steroids and cycloplegics. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of erlotinib-related anterior uveitis.

Cetuximab-associated elongation of the eyelashes: case report and review of eyelash trichomegaly secondary to epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors

Eyelash trichomegaly is an uncommon drug-associated sequelae experienced during treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors. Elongation of the eyelashes induced by these agents has predominantly been observed in oncology patients with either colorectal or lung cancer. It is most frequently associated with cetuximab and erlotinib; however, it has also been described in individuals treated with gefitinib or panitumumab. We describe cetuximab-associated eyelash trichomegaly in a woman with metastatic rectal carcinoma. We review the clinical presentation, adverse effects, and management of EGFR inhibitor-related eyelash trichomegaly. The long eyelashes are not a drug-limiting adverse effect and some patients consider the change to be cosmetically enhancing. Trimming the lashes with scissors can usually ameliorate local symptoms. The eyelashes often return to their original length at variable time periods after EGFR inhibitor therapy is discontinued.