Interferon-induced retinopathy in asymptomatic cancer patients

doi:10.1016/S0161-6420(01)00546-2

Ophthalmology

Volume 108, Issue 5, May 2001, Pages 858-860

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0161-6420(01)00546-2 Get rights and content

Abstract

Objectives

Interferon-induced ocular complications, including retinal ischemia and ischemic optic neuropathy, can be associated with significant visual loss. We report three cases of asymptomatic ischemic retinopathy in cancer patients receiving interferon.

Design

Retrospective, interventional, noncomparative small case series.

Methods

Retrospective review of the medical records and fundus photographs.

Results

Interferon-induced ischemic retinopathy can occur in asymptomatic cancer patients. The retinal changes are usually reversible with discontinuation of interferon therapy.

Conclusions

These three cases underscore the importance of dilated funduscopic examination at baseline and during follow-up, at least every 3 months, for all cancer patients receiving interferon to identify retinal toxicity at its earliest stages. A prospective study evaluating the incidence and severity of interferon retinopathy in cancer patients would be prudent.

Section snippets

Patient 1

A 67-year-old man, previously diagnosed with stage IV low-grade lymphoma, was seen by an optometrist for a routine eye examination without any visual or ocular complaints. He had completed eight cycles of chemotherapy followed by interferon maintenance therapy, 3.0 × 10⁶ U/m², 3 days per week. His interferon therapy began approximately 3 months before the examination by the optometrist. An evaluation of the fundus by the optometrist suggested an abnormality in the left eye. The patient was

Discussion

We report three cases of ischemic retinopathy secondary to interferon in asymptomatic cancer patients. Although the visual outcome in all three patients was good, these cases underscore the importance of careful funduscopic screening examinations for patients taking high-dose interferon. The fact that IFN retinopathy was diagnosed based on an incidental observation during a routine eye examination in two patients, and was triggered by a “migraine-like” episode that seemed unrelated and had

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View full text

Interferon-induced retinopathy in asymptomatic cancer patients

Abstract

Objectives

Design

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Section snippets

Patient 1

Discussion

Lancet

Interferon alfa-2b adjuvant therapy of high-risk resected cutaneous melanomathe Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Trial EST 1684

J Clin Oncol

Interferon as maintenance therapy in refractory malignant lymphoma

J Hematother