Vision loss with pembrolizumab treatment: A report of two cases

Diagnosing and Managing Uveitis Associated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Review

This review aims to provide an understanding of the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of uveitis associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). In the wake of these molecules being increasingly employed as a treatment against different cancers, cases of uveitis post-ICI therapy have also been increasingly reported in the literature, warranting an extensive exploration of the clinical presentations, risk factors, and pathophysiological mechanisms of ICI-induced uveitis. This review further provides an understanding of the association between ICIs and uveitis, and assesses the efficacy of current diagnostic tools, underscoring the need for advanced techniques to enable early detection and accurate assessment. Further, it investigates the therapeutic strategies for ICI-related uveitis, weighing the benefits and limitations of existing treatment regimens, and discussing current challenges and emerging therapies in the context of their potential efficacy and side effects. Through an overview of the short-term and long-term outcomes, this article suggests recommendations and emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration between ophthalmologists and oncologists. Finally, the review highlights promising avenues for future research and development in the field, potentially informing transformative approaches in the ocular assessment of patients under immunotherapy and the management of uveitis following ICI therapy.

Ocular adverse events associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, a scoping review

INTRODUCTION

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become an important part of the treatment of multiple cancers, especially for advanced melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. Some tumors are capable of escaping immunosurveillance by stimulating checkpoints on T-cells. ICIs prevent activation of these checkpoints and thereby stimulate the immune system and indirectly the anti-tumor response. However, the use of ICIs is associated with various adverse events. Ocular side effects are rare but may have a major impact on the quality of life of the patient.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search of the medical databases Web of Science, Embase and PubMed was performed. Articles that provided a comprehensive description of a case report containing 1) cancer patient(s) treated with (a combination of) immune checkpoint inhibitors, and 2) assessed occurrence of ocular adverse events, were included. A total of 290 case reports were included.

RESULTS

Melanoma (n = 179; 61.7%) and lung cancer (n = 56; 19.3%) were the most frequent reported malignancies. The primary used ICIs were nivolumab (n = 123; 42.5%) and ipilimumab (n = 116; 40.0%). Uveitis was most the common adverse event (n = 134; 46.2%) and mainly related to melanoma. Neuro-ophthalmic disorders, including myasthenia gravis and cranial nerve disorders, were the second most common adverse events (n = 71; 24.5%), mainly related to lung cancer. Adverse events affecting the orbit and the cornea were reported in 33 (11.4%) and 30 cases (10.3%) respectively. Adverse events concerning the retina were reported in 26 cases (9.0%).

CONCLUSION

The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of all reported ocular adverse events related to the use of ICIs. The insights retrieved from this review might contribute to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of these ocular adverse events. Particularly, the difference between actual immune-related adverse events and paraneoplastic syndromes might be relevant. These findings might be of great value in establishing guidelines on how to manage ocular adverse events related to ICIs.

Case Report: Serial changes of ocular complications related to immune checkpoint inhibitors pembrolizumab and nivolumab

Background

To demonstrate the rare ocular side effects in a patient receiving pembrolizumab and nivolumab for metastatic ovarian cancer.

Case presentation

A 37-year-old woman with recurrent metastatic ovarian cancer presented with blurred vision and photophobia after receiving pembrolizumab. Ocular findings were bilateral anterior chamber reactions, iris cysts, and macular flecks. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) indicated retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and ellipsoid-band disruption. Her symptoms subsided with topical steroids but fundal appearance persisted despite cessation of immunotherapies. Similar episodes attacked again with multiple exudative subretinal fluid (SRF) developed after she received pembrolizumab and nivolumab. Steroids could cease anterior chamber reactions while SRF only subsided after discontinuation of immunotherapy. Extensive RPE and ellipsoid-band disruption remained without vision improvements.

Conclusions

We report a rare case of uveitis and retinopathy after immunotherapies with sequent pembrolizumab and nivolumab. A serial change of the maculopathy is demonstrated. Possible ocular toxicities during the treatment course should be considered, and the benefits of continuing the immunotherapy must be weighed against the risks.

Annular choroidal detachment following intravitreal aflibercept injection in a patient with nivolumab treatment: a case report

BACKGROUND

To present a novel case that developed annular choroidal detachment after intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody injection in a patient after immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 58-year-old Japanese man presented visual impairment in the right eye. Ophthalmological examination revealed macular edema in the right eye, which suggested the possibility of age-related macular degeneration. Following the intravitreal aflibercept injection, the annular choroidal detachment was observed in the injected eye. As hypotony or thick sclera was not observed, choroidal detachment seemed to have appeared due to enhanced inflammation by intravitreal injection. The patient had a history of stage IV paranasal cavity cancer and was treated with nivolumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor. The immune response might have been enhanced due to the use of nivolumab so that intravitreal injection triggered inflammation. Three weeks after sub-tenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide, macular edema and choroidal detachment improved.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravitreal aflibercept injection caused annular choroidal detachment in our patient, presumably because the immune system was activated after nivolumab treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of annular choroidal detachment that developed after intravitreal injection in a patient with a history of nivolumab therapy. With the increasing use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with various cancers, clinicians should be aware of these potentially associated immune-related adverse events.

Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prognosis of Uveitis Induced by Anticancer Drugs: A Review of Literature

There are increasing reports that anticancer drugs, especially immunotherapy and specific targeted therapy, can cause uveitis, but it is not fully understood whether the clinical features of this drug-induced uveitis differ from those of other types of uveitis and whether there are differences between these drugs. We retrospectively reviewed the published cases and case series in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane from January 2011 to October 2020. We analysed the data, including patients’ basic information, medications used, duration of use, time to onset, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of uveitis. We focused on the differences in uveitis caused by immunotherapy and specific targeted therapy. Altogether 93 cases (43 men, 48 women, and 2 cases whose gender was not mentioned) reported in 55 articles were included in this study. The average age was 59.6 ± 13.5 years. Eighty percent of the patients had bilateral involvement. Sixty cases were caused by immunotherapy (64.5%), and twenty-six were caused by specific targeted therapy (27.9%). No significant difference was found in the mean time from treatment to onset between the two groups. Anticancer drug-induced uveitis can involve all parts of the uvea from anterior to posterior, manifested as anterior chamber flare, anterior chamber cells, papillitis, macular oedema, subretinal fluid, and choroidal effusion. Anterior uveitis (24 cases, 40.0%) was more common in immunotherapy, and intermediate uveitis (8 cases, 30.8%) was more common in specific targeted therapy. The mean LogMAR visual acuity in specific targeted therapy at presentation was lower than in immunotherapy, but it was not statistically significant. Corticosteroid therapy can effectively control uveitis induced by anticancer drugs. However, the survival prognosis was poor. Among the 19 patients with reported cancer prognosis, seven (36.8%) had no cancer progression, eight (42.1%) had further metastases, and four (21.0%) died of cancer. In conclusion, uveitis caused by anticancer drugs involves both eyes and manifests as various types of uveitis. Patients with specific targeted therapy are more likely to have intermediate uveitis and low vision, and immunotherapy patients are more likely to have anterior uveitis. Corticosteroids are effective against uveitis caused by anticancer drugs.

Ocular Inflammation Induced by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Ocular immunotherapy-related adverse events (IRAEs), although rare, can be sight-threatening. Our objective was to analyze ocular IRAEs diagnosed in France from the marketing of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs) until June 2021 and to review the literature. We collected the cases of 28 patients (36 ocular IRAEs), occurring after an average of 17 weeks (±19). Forty-six percent of patients were treated for metastatic melanoma. Anti-PD1 agents were responsible for 57% of the IRAEs. Anterior uveitis was the most common (44%), followed by panuveitis (28%). Of 25 uveitis cases, 80% were bilateral and 60% were granulomatous. We found one case with complete Vogt-Koyanagi–Harada syndrome and one case of birdshot retinochoroidopathy. The other IRAEs were eight ocular surface disorders, one optic neuropathy, and one inflammatory orbitopathy. Seventy percent of the IRAEs were grade 3 according to the common terminology of AEs. ICPIs were discontinued in 60% of patients and 50% received local corticosteroids alone. The literature review included 230 uveitis cases, of which 7% were granulomatous. The distributions of ICPIs, cancer, and type of uveitis were similar to our cohort. Ocular IRAEs appeared to be easily controlled by local or systemic corticosteroids and did not require routine discontinuation of ICPIs. Further work is still warranted to define the optimal management of ocular IRAEs.

Cancer Immunotherapy and Uveitis: Balancing Anti-Tumor Immunity and Ocular Autoimmunity

Immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies are two classes of pharmacologic therapies used to treat metastatic malignancy by amplifying the immune system activity against cancerous cells. However, these drugs can consequently cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Albeit rare, cases of ocular IRAEs occurring among patients taking these drugs have been documented in literature, including a spectrum of uveitis findings. The classes of immune checkpoint inhibitors explored here include anti-CTLA4 (ipilimumab), anti-PD-1 (pembrolizumab, nivolumab) and anti-PDL-1 (atezolizumab, avelumab, durvalumab). Targeted therapies include the MEK inhibitors (trametinib) and BRAF enzyme inhibitors (dabrafenib, vemurafenib), both of which are involved in the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway responsible for cell proliferation. Reported cases of ocular irAEs caused by these drugs include anterior uveitis, posterior uveitis, panuveitis, and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH)-like syndrome. Treatment can be determined on a case-by-case basis and depending on the severity of the irAE, may include temporary cessation of the offending drug, local corticosteroids, or systemic corticosteroids. Although the mechanism by which these ocular toxicities occur is not clearly elucidated, it is hypothesized that they are secondary to increased activity of auto-reactive T-cells. Further investigation into mechanisms underlying these inflammatory findings are relevant for cancer targeting, as well as insights into ocular autoimmune diseases.

[Induction of Uveitis by Immune-Oncologic Therapies, Namely Checkpoint Inhibitors]

BACKGROUND

The recently introduced tumor therapies including immune checkpoint and BRAF/MEK inhibitors (ICI) have substantially contributed to survival and quality of life of the affected patients, but are associated with class-specific, non-toxic immune-related side effects including uveitis. This narrative review focusses to summarize the immune-related adverse event profile associated with the use of ICI.

METHODS

A literature search in PubMed, the publication database of the National Institute of Health in the USA (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed) used the search terms "uveitis" AND "drug-induced" AND/OR "immune checkpoint inhibitor". All articles published in the last five years and the for the purpose of this review relevant cross references were evaluated.

RESULTS

A class-specific phenomenon of ICI and BRAF/MEK inhibitors is their capability to induce systemic and ocular autoimmunity. Ocular side effects are observed in up to 3% of patients and should be differentiated from toxic side effects, since this is not dose-dependent. Melanoma as underlying disease and Pembrolizumab as ICI significantly increase the risk. If timely recognized, systemic treatment with corticosteroids allows to preserve vision without cessation of the tumor treatment in more than 90% of these potentially life-threatening instances.

CONCLUSION

Given their impact onto the survival of cancer and namely melanoma patients, ICI and BRAF/MEK inhibitors are increasingly used alone and in combination, which enhances their inherent risk of developing drug-induced ocular autoimmunity. Favorable functional outcomes are closely linked to early recognition and aggressive treatment of these complications considering the fact that these immune-related adverse events affect multiple organ systems and have an untreated lethality of up to 3%.

Ocular adverse effects of therapeutic biologics

Biological drugs, termed biologics, are medications that contain or are derived from a living organism (human, animal, or microorganism). With new biological agents being approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) every year, clinicians need to know potential ocular adverse effects that are associated with these drugs. This review provides an overview of ocular adverse effects of biological medications used to treat both ophthalmic and non-ophthalmic diseases. We searched PubMed for relevant case reports, case series, reviews, and clinical trials reporting ocular adverse effects caused by biologics. This review was conducted in June 2021 and investigated the drugs listed in the most updated (April 2021) FDA Purple Book Database of Licensed Biological Products. This review focuses on monoclonal antibodies, interleukins, and receptor fusion proteins. We explore ocular side effects of 33 biological drugs, stating whether they are frequent, common, or rare.

Targeted Cancer Therapy and Its Ophthalmic Side Effects: A Review

Targeted cancer therapy agents are the latest development in cancer therapeutics. Although the spectrum of their use continues to expand, ocular side effects are frequently encountered with the use of cancer therapeutics. This review describes the ocular side effects of targeted cancer therapy agents.

Bilateral Posterior Uveitis and Retinal Detachment During Immunotherapy: A Case Report and Literature Review

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) cause fewer toxicities than conventional chemotherapy. Although most of the immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are mild, reversible, and manageable, potentially severe and rare irAEs remain relevant. We present a 24-year-old man with advanced hereditary renal cancer who developed bilateral posterior uveitis and retinal detachment after systematic treatment of ICI and an anti-angiogenic drug. Axitinib and pembrolizumab were administered with a partial response and following the severe ocular irAE and systemic corticosteroid treatment was initiated. Our case indicates that ocular irAEs may occur rapidly. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of posterior uveitis and retinal detachment in hereditary renal cancer patients treated with ICI and anti-angiogenic drugs.

Isolated optic neuritis after pembrolizumab administration for non-small-cell lung carcinoma

PURPOSE

To report a case of isolated optic neuritis associated with pembrolizumab immunotherapy for metastatic non-small cell lung carcinoma.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 76-year-old man, with a history of metastatic non-small cell lung carcinoma, presented with vision loss in his left eye for the past week. He had been treated with pembrolizumab for the underlying disease for 2 months. On presentation, best corrected visual acuity was 20/30 in the right eye and 20/200 in the left eye. Fundoscopy revealed optic nerve edema in the left eye. Visual fields examination in right eye revealed an enlarged blind spot and an extended defect in the inferior nasal quadrant. In the left eye a partial superior arcuate defect and an extended defect in the inferior hemisphere was observed. The mean deviation was -12.15 dB in the right eye and -13.70 dB in left eye. Pembrolizumab was withheld and corticosteroids were administered for a total of nine weeks, first intravenously and then slowly tapered orally, resulting in resolution of optic neuritis, restoration of visual acuity and in relative improvement in the visual field defects after 3 months. Calculated Naranjo Nomogram score was 7, indicating a 'highly probable' correlation.

CONCLUSIONS

Optic neuritis is a relatively rare immune-related adverse event after exposure to checkpoint inhibitors cancer immunotherapy. Prompt discontinuation of the offending agent and early initiation of corticosteroid therapy is the mainstay of the treatment.

Pembrolizumab-related Bilateral Ocular Hypotony, Uveitis, Cataracts, Exudative Retinal, and Choroidal Detachments: An Unusual Success Story

Here, we report the presentation and management of a rare case of sight-threatening bilateral panuveitis with secondary chronic hypotony, subcapsular cataracts, exudative retinal detachments, and choroidal detachments, following initiation of pembrolizumab immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma. An 82-year-old white woman presented with painful, blurry vision 3 days after initiation of pembrolizumab immunotherapy. She had developed a marked panuveitis causing secondary hypotony. The fundal view was entirely limited by acutely dense cataracts and small, uveitic pupils unresponsive to topical dilation. Urgent cataract surgery with intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex) was completed successfully and allowed a fundal examination. This revealed bilateral, symmetrical, inferior exudative retinal detachments, and choroidal detachments secondary to chronic hypotony. After 3 months of observation and cessation of oral steroids, the panuveitis remains quiescent, hypotony persists, and the choroidal and retinal detachments are showing progressive self-resolution. The current best-corrected visual acuity is 6/24 OU. She remains under close monitoring. The immune checkpoint inhibitor, pembrolizumab, has been reported to cause sight-threatening adverse effects. We report a rare case of profound bilateral complications treated successfully with oral and intravitreal steroids. To the authors' knowledge, this has not previously been reported in the literature. Ophthalmologists and oncologists should be aware of the ocular effects of pembrolizumab and be able to identify various complications early. Here, cataract surgery with a steroid implant has been an effective sight-saving intervention. The promising visual outcome makes this an unusual success story.