Bilateral Drug-Induced Uveitis and Epiretinal Membrane during the Treatment of a Metastatic Cutaneous Melanoma

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To report the case of a drug-induced uveitis during the treatment of a metastatic cutaneous melanoma.

Case report: A 75-year-old female treated with Dabrafenib and Trametinib due to a cutaneous melanoma stage IV presented with blurriness in both eyes. The examination revealed bilateral intraocular signs of inflammation, and fundoscopy showed bilateral changes at the posterior pole, such as chorioretinal folds and Neurosensory Retinal Detachment (NRD). Due to a worsening of Visual Acuity (VA) and persistence of intraocular inflammation in spite of topical prednisolone acetate treatment, the therapy with Dabrafenib + Trametinib was interrupted, after having been administered for 4 months, and replaced by Nivolumab. Fundus abnormalities and intraocular inflammation improved, but VA remained low due to the presence of an epiretinal membrane in the right eye. Then, a decreasing course of prednisolone eye drops was introduced for one more month and finally interrupted without the cessation of Nivolumab.

Conclusion: Drug-induced uveitis has been increasing in the last few years due to the development of new biological agents for treatment of different types of tumours. The management of these adverse events should be handled in collaboration with oncologists and ophthalmologists and must be individualised and based on the risk-benefit balance. A case report of an uveitis and subsequent development of an epiretinal membrane during the treatment with Dabrafenib, Trametinib and subsequent Nivolumab for a metastatic cutaneous melanoma is reported here, in order to note the importance of an adequate follow-up of patients treated with these drugs.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.