Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have improved prognosis in advanced malignancies; however, they may be associated with extensive ocular immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that are sight threatening. Our study aimed to identify the presentation, characteristics, management, and clinical outcomes of ocular irAEs.
Methods: In this retrospective, observational case series, we reviewed the medical records of 1280 patients at a large US tertiary cancer center between 2010 and 2020.
Results: We identified 130 patients who presented with ocular irAEs (10%) with 69 males (53%) and 61 females (47%). The mean time to toxicity was 6.1 months. Adverse events include corneal toxicity (31%), neuro-ophthalmic (14%), uveitis and scleritis (13%), retinopathy (13%), periocular disorders (11%), and others. IrAEs occurred most frequently with nivolumab (26%). Most ocular irAEs were treated with topical therapy. Advanced cases required systemic corticosteroids and even cessation of ICIs.
Conclusion: Our cohort is a large case series highlighting the increased potential of ocular toxicity associated with ICIs. Prompt recognition and management of ocular irAEs can minimize their effect.
Keywords: immune checkpoint inhibitors; immunotherapy side effects; nivolumab; ocular immune-related adverse events; ocular toxicity.