Quantitative Ocular Surface Changes in Patients Undergoing Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy

• Published in: Ocular immunology and inflammation 2024-10, Vol.32 (8), p.1522-1525
• Main Authors: Chen, Kevin, Ibañez Bruron, Maria Carolina, Mondaca, Sebastian, Pizarro, Gonzalo, Liberman, Paulina, Berkenstock, Meghan K
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Dry Eye Syndromes - chemically induced; Dry Eye Syndromes - diagnosis; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors - adverse effects; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors - therapeutic use; Lubricant Eye Drops - administration & dosage; Lubricant Eye Drops - therapeutic use; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Tears - metabolism
• ISSN: 0927-3948; 1744-5078; 1744-5078
• DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2023.2252892

To describe the clinical course and evaluate treatment of ocular surface changes in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. Multiple markers of ocular surface dryness were evaluated in 16 patients on ICI therapy. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to determine the significant change in the initial and final ocular surface indices. Fifty percent of the eyes demonstrated worsening Schirmer I scores; 29% showed an increase in lissamine green staining. During follow-up, 43% of patients experienced a decline in OSDI scores. Treatments included preservative-free artificial tears (88%), cyclosporine (25%), topical corticosteroids (31%), warm compresses (25%); punctal plugs (13%). Median follow-up time was 3.4 months (range:0-79 ); median ICI treatment duration was 7 months (range:1-40). Four patients died during the observation period. A significant proportion of patients experience changes in ocular surface markers while treated with ICIs. Medical intervention can lead to stabilization of ocular surface disease.