MEK inhibitor-associated ocular hypertension Journal Article


Authors: Collet, D. A.; Canestraro, J.; Abou-Alfa, G. K.; Abramson, D. H.; Diamond, E. L.; Francis, J. H.
Article Title: MEK inhibitor-associated ocular hypertension
Abstract: Introduction: Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors are targeted anticancer agents that are prescribed to treat a broad range of cancers. Despite their strong efficacy profile, MEK inhibitors have been associated with ocular toxicities, most notably, self-limited serous detachments of the neurosensory retina. In this report, we outline 3 cases of a rarely documented toxicity, MEK inhibitor-associated ocular hypertension. Case Presentations: In the first case, a 69-year-old female with metastatic cholangiocarcinoma presented with an intraocular pressure (IOP) of 25 mm Hg right eye (OD) and 27 mm Hg left eye (OS) 2 months after starting trametinib therapy. Similarly, in the second case, a 26-year-old female with Langerhans cell histiocytosis presented with an elevated IOP of 24 mm Hg bilaterally (OU) 13 months after beginning treatment with an investigational MEK inhibitor. In the third case, a 46-year-old male with Langerhans cell histiocytosis presented with a new onset of elevated IOP of 24 mm Hg 21 days after initiating treatment with cobimetinib. All 3 patients IOP returned to normal following dorzolamide/timolol administration and continued their cancer therapy. Discussion/Conclusion: This report presents 3 cases of elevated IOP in patients taking three distinct MEK inhibitors which would suggest that IOP-elevating effects exist across the class of MEK inhibitors. All 3 patients had a satisfactory response to topical pressure-lowering drops while continuing their life-preserving MEK inhibitor drug dose, indicating that discontinuation of therapy may not be necessary. Due to the increasing use of MEK inhibitors, it is important that ophthalmologists familiarize themselves with the broad range of potential adverse ocular effects of MEK inhibitors. © 2024 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.
Keywords: oncology; drug toxicity; ocular hypertension
Journal Title: Ocular Oncology and Pathology
Volume: 10
Issue: 2
ISSN: 2296-4681
Publisher: Karger  
Date Published: 2024-06-01
Start Page: 98
End Page: 102
Language: English
DOI: 10.1159/000535427
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC11178342
PUBMED: 38882021
DOI/URL:
Notes: The MSK Cancer Center Support Grant (P30 CA008748) is acknowledge in the PDF -- Corresponding authors is MSK author: Jasmine H. Francis -- Source: Scopus
Altmetric
Citation Impact
BMJ Impact Analytics
MSK Authors
  1. Jasmine Helen Francis
    256 Francis
  2. Ghassan Abou-Alfa
    568 Abou-Alfa
  3. David H Abramson
    389 Abramson
  4. Eli Louis Diamond
    202 Diamond
  5. David Collet
    1 Collet