Autoimmune retinopathy with associated anti-retinal antibodies as a potential immune-related adverse event associated with immunotherapy in patients with advanced cutaneous melanoma: case series and systematic review

Pathogenic Mechanisms of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (ICI)-Associated Retinal and Choroidal Adverse Reactions

PURPOSE

To summarize and categorize postulated mechanisms of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-mediated retinal and choroidal inflammation and discuss resulting implications for evaluation and management of these adverse reactions.

DESIGN

Targeted literature review with interpretation and perspective METHODS: We performed a review of selected literature describing immune-mediated retinal and choroidal adverse reactions associated with ICI therapy, synthesizing and categorizing the likely underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Based on these mechanistic categories, we provide perspective on a rational approach to the evaluation of patients with ICI-associated inflammatory disorders of the retina and choroid.

RESULTS

ICI-induced posterior segment adverse reactions can be categorized into 3 major mechanisms of unintended, targeted inflammation that share similarities to immunotherapy-related adverse events (irAEs) seen in other organ systems. In Type 1 reactions, T cell activation by ICIs can result in cross-reactivity of anti-tumor T cells with ocular tissues (Type 1a) or expansion of eye-specific T cells in predisposed individuals (Type 1b), leading to ocular inflammation that mimics known uveitic conditions. In Type 2 reactions, nonspecific ocular or systemic inflammation exacerbated by ICI use can cause retinal vasculitis through a "bystander" mechanism, potentially resulting in vision-threatening vascular occlusions. Finally, in Type 3 reactions, ICI use can prompt autoantibody-mediated inflammation and/or exacerbation of paraneoplastic processes likely related to T cell driven expansion of B cell populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Although relatively uncommon, posterior segment inflammatory disorders associated with systemic ICI therapy may be vision-threatening if not identified and treated appropriately. We propose that the pathogenic mechanisms underlying these chorioretinopathies falls into 3 major categories involving inadvertent T cell mediated inflammation. Visual prognosis with appropriate treatment is generally favorable, but some reactions, such as longstanding exudative retinal detachments and ICI-induced occlusive retinal vasculitis, can result in permanent visual defects.

Emerging Ocular Side Effects of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Comprehensive Review

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer treatment, offering significant improvements in patient survival across various malignancies. However, their use is associated with a broad spectrum of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including those affecting the eye and its surrounding structures, collectively termed ocular irAEs (OirAEs). Although rare, OirAEs (e.g., keratitis, uveitis, retinal vasculitis, etc.) can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to ocular complications if left untreated. This review provides a comprehensive overview of OirAEs associated with ICIs, including their clinical manifestations, underlying mechanisms, and current management strategies. We delve into the anterior and posterior segment adverse events, highlighting conditions such as dry eye, uveitis, and retinal disorders, as well as neuro-ophthalmic and orbital complications. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges in diagnosing and treating these conditions, particularly given the overlap with other autoimmune and paraneoplastic syndromes. Finally, we identify key knowledge gaps and suggest future research directions aimed at optimizing the management of OirAEs while maintaining the efficacy of cancer therapy. This review underscores the need for increased awareness among clinicians to prevent irreversible ocular damage and enhance patient outcomes.

Case report: Longitudinal evaluation and treatment of a melanoma-associated retinopathy patient

Melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR) is a paraneoplastic syndrome associated with cutaneous metastatic melanoma in which patients develop vision deficits that include reduced night vision, poor contrast sensitivity, and photopsia. MAR is caused by autoantibodies targeting TRPM1, an ion channel found in melanocytes and retinal ON-bipolar cells (ON-BCs). The visual symptoms arise when TRPM1 autoantibodies enter ON-BCs and block the function of TRPM1, thus detection of TRPM1 autoantibodies in patient serum is a key criterion in diagnosing MAR. Electroretinograms are used to measure the impact of TRPM1 autoantibodies on ON-BC function and represent another important diagnostic tool for MAR. To date, MAR case reports have included one or both diagnostic components, but only for a single time point in the course of a patient's disease. Here, we report a case of MAR supported by longitudinal analysis of serum autoantibody detection, visual function, ocular inflammation, vascular integrity, and response to slow-release intraocular corticosteroids. Integrating these data with the patient's oncological and ophthalmological records reveals novel insights regarding MAR pathogenesis, progression, and treatment, which may inform new research and expand our collective understanding of the disease. In brief, we find TRPM1 autoantibodies can disrupt vision even when serum levels are barely detectable by western blot and immunohistochemistry; intraocular dexamethasone treatment alleviates MAR visual symptoms despite high levels of circulating TRPM1 autoantibodies, implicating antibody access to the retina as a key factor in MAR pathogenesis. Elevated inflammatory cytokine levels in the patient's eyes may be responsible for the observed damage to the blood-retinal barrier and subsequent entry of autoantibodies into the retina.

Clinical Patterns and Factors Contributing to Ophthalmic and Otologic Events Associated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Narrative Review

Immune checkpoint inhibitors, which are a type of cancer immunotherapy, have been associated with the development of adverse events related to an overactive immune system caused by the effect of this type of therapy. It affects a wide range of organs, including the ear and eye. Ophthalmic toxicity related to immune checkpoint inhibitors usually occurs bilaterally. Corneal toxicity (mainly dry eye disease) and uveitis are the most commonly reported patterns of toxicity. Other patterns of involvement include optic neuritis, serous retinal detachment, keratitis, ophthalmoplegia, and ocular myasthenia, but are not limited to them. Potential factors contributing to the development of toxicity are age, previous history of ocular immune disease, type, doses, and duration of treatment, and race. Ototoxicity is also reported in the literature, usually manifesting as bilateral, symmetrical/asymmetrical hearing loss. Ear toxicity presenting as ear fullness, tinnitus, and vertigo has also been mentioned in the literature. Hearing loss is often associated with word/speech recognition. An audiogram usually shows a pattern of sensorineural hearing loss. Otitis media has also been reported to be a potential cause of ear toxicity. Immune checkpoint inhibitor toxicity was present more commonly when used along with other anti-neoplastic agents. Ear toxicity, which presumably results from damage to the melanocytes in the ear, often presents with other melanocytotic manifestations, like uveitis and vitiligo. According to the literature, some agents (ipilimumab, nivolumab, atezolizumab, and pembrolizumab) were more commonly associated with toxic effects on the eye and ear and more when combined with each other.

Case Report: Longitudinal Evaluation and Treatment of a Melanoma-Associated Retinopathy Patient

Melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR) is a paraneoplastic syndrome associated with cutaneous metastatic melanoma in which patients develop vision deficits that include reduced night vision, poor contrast sensitivity, and photopsia. MAR is caused by autoantibodies targeting TRPM1, an ion channel found in melanocytes and retinal ON-bipolar cells (ON-BCs). The visual symptoms arise when TRPM1 autoantibodies enter ON-BCs and block the function of TRPM1, thus detection of TRPM1 autoantibodies in patient serum is a key criterion in diagnosing MAR. Electroretinograms are used to measure the impact of TRPM1 autoantibodies on ON-BC function and represent another important diagnostic tool for MAR. To date, MAR case reports have included one or both diagnostic components, but only for a single time point in the course of a patient's disease. Here, we report a case of MAR supported by longitudinal analysis of serum autoantibody detection, visual function, ocular inflammation, vascular integrity, and response to slow-release intraocular corticosteroids. Integrating these data with the patient's oncological and ophthalmological records reveals novel insights regarding MAR pathogenesis, progression, and treatment, which may inform new research and expand our collective understanding of the disease. In brief, we find TRPM1 autoantibodies can disrupt vision even when serum levels are barely detectable by western blot and immunohistochemistry; intraocular dexamethasone treatment alleviates MAR visual symptoms despite high levels of circulating TRPM1 autoantibodies, implicating antibody access to the retina as a key factor in MAR pathogenesis. Elevated inflammatory cytokine levels in the patient's eyes may be responsible for the observed damage to the blood-retinal barrier and subsequent entry of autoantibodies into the retina.

When Uveitis and Hypotony Meets Bilateral Iris Retraction Syndrome: A Rare but Serious Complication of Nivolumab Treatment

Introduction

Iris retraction syndrome (IRS) is a rare clinical condition characterized by a backbowing of the iris positioned on the lens with a complete pupillary block. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a new class of immunomodulating agents used in cancer therapy, and although they have high response rates, ophthalmic-related side effects have been reported. We report a rare case of bilateral IRS with hypotony after therapy with nivolumab.

Case Presentation

We present a case of bilateral IRS with hypotony, 3 mm Hg OD and 5 mm Hg OS, after therapy with nivolumab. The patient presented with decreased vision, corneal edema, keratic precipitates, deep anterior chamber with posterior synechiae, and hypotony maculopathy. Anterior segment OCT revealed a sharp posterior displacement of the iridolenticular diaphragm consistent with IRS. Discontinuation of nivolumab until ocular improvement was suggested, following oncologic consultation. Four months later, the patient exhibited iris bombé with angle closure and increased IOP. This was managed with phacoemulsification and concomitant surgical iridectomy. One month after surgery, the patient's IOP had returned to physiologic values, and the iris configuration had returned to normal.

Conclusion

The exact mechanism of IRS remains unclear, but it is suggested that an aqueous imbalance, in conjunction with uveitis and hypotony, creates an anterio-posterior movement of the iridolenticular diaphragm when the pupillary block is present. Our case highlights the importance of monitoring patients receiving ICIs for ophthalmic adverse effects and prompt management to prevent permanent visual damage. In conclusion, this is the first reported case of IRS after therapy with ICIs. Further research is needed to fully understand the exact mechanism by which it is induced.

Autoantibodies Against Bestrophin in Non-Paraneoplastic Acute Exudative Polymorphous Vitelliform Maculopathy

Acute exudative polymorphous vitelliform maculopathy (AEPVM) has recently been identified as a paraneoplastic manifestation of various cancers. Yet, the first reported cases of AEPVM in the literature were reported in seemingly healthy individuals. It is not clear whether those individuals harbored unidentified mutations or occult cancers, or truly represented a separate subset of AEPVM. Here, we report two cases of mutation-negative, autoantibody-positive non-paraneoplastic AEPVM. We present multimodal ocular imaging to demonstrate the presentation of this subset of AEPVM. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:51-54.].

Ocular involvement in allergic drug reactions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Many systemic medications have been observed to cause ocular toxicity. A subset of these reactions is thought to involve immunomodulation or a hypersensitivity reaction. As new medications are developed, ocular adverse effects are becoming increasingly prevalent. Herein we review immune-mediated drug reactions affecting they eye with special attention to the hypersensitivity mechanisms leading to ocular toxicity.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent work has focused on mechanisms and risk of immune-mediated ocular adverse drug reactions including genetic susceptibility and loss of ocular immune privilege.

SUMMARY

Given the consequences of immune-mediated ocular adverse drug reactions, clinicians must be aware of these to facilitate early recognition and management. The prompt involvement of an ophthalmologist for diagnosis and management is often essential to preserve vision and avoid long-term morbidity.

Pigmentary retinopathy associated with immune therapy for advanced cutaneous melanoma

Purpose

To describe a case of bilateral retinal pigmentary changes in the setting of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy (ICIT).

Observations

A 69-year-old man with a history of advanced cutaneous melanoma was started on combination ICIT with nivolumab and ipilimumab and stereotactic body radiation therapy. Soon after, he developed photopsias and nyctalopia with findings of discrete retinal pigmentary changes bilaterally. Initial visual acuities were 20/20 and 20/30 in the right and left eye, respectively. Multi-modal imaging revealed sub-retinal deposits with progressive changes in pigmentation and autofluorescence, associated with decreased peripheral fields on formal perimetry. A full-field electroretinogram revealed attenuated and delayed a- and b-waves. Positive serum retinal autoantibodies were identified. The patient developed left-sided optic nerve edema and center-involving cystoid macular edema which improved after treatment with sub-tenon's triamcinolone.

Conclusions

The use of ICIT has greatly expanded in oncologic practice with subsequent increases in immune related adverse events that pose significant systemic and ophthalmologic morbidities. We propose that the new retinal pigmentary changes seen in this case are the sequelae of an autoimmune inflammatory response against pigmented cells. This adds to the rare side effects that may occur after ICIT.

Paraneoplastic syndrome in neuroophthalmology

Paraneoplastic syndrome is a group of clinical symptoms that occur in the state of systemic malignant tumors. Paraneoplastic syndrome of the nervous system can affect any part of the central and peripheral nervous system and may also affect the eyes. In neuroophthalmology, paraneoplastic syndrome has a variety of manifestations that can affect both the afferent and efferent visual systems. The afferent system may involve the optic nerve, retina and uvea; the efferent system may involve eye movement, neuromuscular joints or involuntary eye movements and pupil abnormalities and may also have other neurological symptoms outside the visual system. This article discusses the clinical manifestations, pathological mechanisms, detection methods and treatment methods of paraneoplastic syndrome in neuroophthalmology. The performance of paraneoplastic syndrome is diverse, the diagnosis is difficult, and the treatment should be considered systematically. Differential diagnosis, optimal evaluation and management of these manifestations is not only the key to treatment but also a challenge.

Ocular Paraneoplastic Syndromes: A Critical Review of Diffuse Uveal Melanocytic Proliferation and Autoimmune Retinopathy

Background: Dozens of paraneoplastic syndromes affect the visual system ranging from conjunctival pemphigoid to encephalopathy of the occipital cortex. The most profiled ocular syndromes are bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation (BDUMP) and the autoimmune retinopathies.Purpose: To review the critical features of these 2 entities then concentrate on advancements in treatment made within the last 10 years.Study Design: Literature review with structured data abstraction.Results: Major insights into pathogenesis have been wanting. Plasmapheresis appears to improve vision in a substantial proportion of patients with BDUMP. The number of clinical variables that influence visual outcome in paraneoplastic retinopathies combined with the variety of local and systemic treatment options makes interpretation of clinical effectiveness difficult.Conclusions: The rarity of these disorders makes randomized clinical trials unlikely. It may be time for a clinical professional organization to use a modified Delphi method to establish a consensus algorithm for the diagnosis and management of retinal paraneoplastic syndromes to augment clinical communications and clinical trials.