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Bilateral Corneal Perforation in a Patient Under Anti-PD1 Therapy

Journal Contribution - Journal Article

ABSTRACT: Immune checkpoint inhibition has improved the clinical outcomes for numerous patients with cancer. However, the downside is a whole new spectrum of immune-related adverse events. We report a 68-year-old man with a history of nonsmall cell lung cancer presenting with a spontaneous corneal perforation in the right eye after 22 cycles of pembrolizumab. In addition, a chronic central nonhealing epithelial defect developed after performing a penetrating keratoplasty. Treatment with autologous serum drops resulted in complete healing of the corneal ulcer, where other conventional therapies had no effect. One month after reinitiating pembrolizumab therapy, our patient presented again with a corneal perforation in the fellow eye. This case describes relapsing sterile ulcerations associated with pembrolizumab use and presents an unexpected cure.

Journal: Cornea
ISSN: 0277-3740
Issue: 2
Volume: 40
Pages: 245-247
Publication year:2021
Keywords:Bilateral Corneal Perforation, Anti-PD1 Therapy, cancer
BOF-keylabel:yes
IOF-keylabel:yes
BOF-publication weight:1
Authors:Regional
Authors from:Higher Education, Hospital
Accessibility:Open