Ocular adverse events of systemic inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor: report of 5 cases

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the ocular effects associated with the administration of the systemic epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors panitumumab and erlotinib.

Design: Retrospective, noncomparative interventional case series.

Participants: Ten eyes of 5 patients in treatment with systemic EGFR inhibitors, 4 patients with erlotinib for end-stage lung carcinoma, and 1 patient with panitumumab for end-stage colorectal cancer.

Methods: Data collected from charts included gender, age at presentation, systemic disease, and clinical presentation in each eye.

Main outcome measures: Demographics on presentation and clinical findings.

Results: Multiple epithelial defects were observed in all 10 eyes, corneal melting and thinning were observed in 3 eyes of 2 patients, 2 eyes of 1 patient presented with lower lid ectropion, and 2 eyes of 2 patients presented with corneal perforation, both requiring a penetrating keratoplasty.

Conclusions: Severe ocular side effects, including corneal perforation, may be associated with the use of the EGFR inhibitors panitumumab and erlotinib.