Cancer associated retinopathy and non-small cell lung cancer

Abstract

The syndrome of cancer associated retinopathy is a relatively recently described entity that has characteristic clinical and electrophysiological features. It is most closely associated with small cell carcinoma and a specific antibody against a retinal protein. We present a patient with cancer associated retinopathy and a non-small cell lung cancer. The diagnosis of the clinical syndrome led to the discovery of the tumour. The antibody was not present. Therapy with chemotherapy, corticosteroids and plasma exhange did not improve the retinopathy. Earlier recognition of the syndrome may be important in detecting malignancy and attempting treatment of the retinopathy before irreversible damage is done.