Oncology

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Li J, Liu C-H, Sun Y, Gong Y, Fu Z, Evans LP, Tian KT, Juan AM, Hurst CG, Mammoto A, Chen J. Endothelial TWIST1 Promotes Pathological Ocular Angiogenesis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2014;55(12):8267-77.Abstract

PURPOSE: Pathological neovessel formation impacts many blinding vascular eye diseases. Identification of molecular signatures distinguishing pathological neovascularization from normal quiescent vessels is critical for developing new interventions. Twist-related protein 1 (TWIST1) is a transcription factor important in tumor and pulmonary angiogenesis. This study investigated the potential role of TWIST1 in modulating pathological ocular angiogenesis in mice. METHODS: Twist1 expression and localization were analyzed in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). Pathological ocular angiogenesis in Tie2-driven conditional Twist1 knockout mice were evaluated in both OIR and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization models. In addition, the effects of TWIST1 on angiogenesis and endothelial cell function were analyzed in sprouting assays of aortic rings and choroidal explants isolated from Twist1 knockout mice, and in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells treated with TWIST1 small interfering RNA (siRNA). RESULTS: TWIST1 is highly enriched in pathological neovessels in OIR retinas. Conditional Tie2-driven depletion of Twist1 significantly suppressed pathological neovessels in OIR without impacting developmental retinal angiogenesis. In a laser-induced choroidal neovascularization model, Twist1 deficiency also resulted in significantly smaller lesions with decreased vascular leakage. In addition, loss of Twist1 significantly decreased vascular sprouting in both aortic ring and choroid explants. Knockdown of TWIST1 in endothelial cells led to dampened expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and decreased endothelial cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that TWIST1 is a novel regulator of pathologic ocular angiogenesis and may represent a new molecular target for developing potential therapeutic treatments to suppress pathological neovascularization in vascular eye diseases.

Liu N, Li S, Wu N, Cho K-S. Acetylation and deacetylation in cancer stem-like cells. Oncotarget 2017;Abstract
Cancer stem-like cell (CSC) model has been established to investigate the underlying mechanisms of tumor initiation and progression. The imbalance between acetylation and deacetylation of histone or non-histone proteins, one of the important epigenetic modification processes, is closely associated with a wide variety of diseases including cancer. Acetylation and deacetylation are involved in various stemness-related signal pathways and drive the regulation of self-renewal and differentiation in normal developmental processes. Therefore, it is critical to explore their role in the maintenance of cancer stem-like cell traits. Here, we will review the extensive dysregulations of acetylation found in cancers and summarize their functional roles in sustaining CSC-like properties. Additionally, the use of deacetyltransferase inhibitors as an effective therapeutic strategy against CSCs is also discussed.
Lonial S, Nooka AK, Thulasi P, Badros AZ, Jeng BH, Callander NS, Potter HA, Sborov D, Zaugg BE, Popat R, Esposti SD, Byrne J, Opalinska J, Baron J, Piontek T, Gupta I, Dana R, Farooq AV, Colby K, Jakubowiak A. Management of belantamab mafodotin-associated corneal events in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Blood Cancer J 2021;11(5):103.Abstract
Belantamab mafodotin (belamaf) demonstrated deep and durable responses in patients with heavily pretreated relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) in DREAMM-2 (NCT03525678). Corneal events, specifically keratopathy (including superficial punctate keratopathy and/or microcyst-like epithelial changes (MECs), eye examination findings with/without symptoms), were common, consistent with reports from other antibody-drug conjugates. Given the novel nature of corneal events in RRMM management, guidelines are required for their prompt identification and appropriate management. Eye examination findings from DREAMM-2 and insights from hematology/oncology investigators and ophthalmologists, including corneal specialists, were collated and used to develop corneal event management guidelines. The following recommendations were formulated: close collaboration among hematologist/oncologists and eye care professionals is needed, in part, to provide optimal care in relation to the belamaf benefit-risk profile. Patients receiving belamaf should undergo eye examinations before and during every treatment cycle and promptly upon worsening of symptoms. Severity of corneal events should be determined based on corneal examination findings and changes in best-corrected visual acuity. Treatment decisions, including dose modifications, should be based on the most severe finding present. These guidelines are recommended for the assessment and management of belamaf-associated ocular events to help mitigate ocular risk and enable patients to continue to experience a clinical benefit with belamaf.
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MacIntosh PW, Jakobiec FA, Stagner AM, Gilani S, Fay A. High grade neuroendocrine neoplasm of the antrum and orbit. Surv Ophthalmol 2015;60(5):486-94.Abstract

Neuroendocrine malignancies-tumors characterized by the production of dense-core secretory granules-are most often encountered in the lungs and can also be found in extrapulmonary sites. Our patient had a primary neuroendocrine tumor of the antrum with an elusive cell of origin that secondarily invaded the inferior orbit. In the sinuses, neuroendocrine tumors may be confused with infectious sinusitis or squamous cell carcinoma. There are no known pathognomonic clinical or radiographic signs to distinguish these tumors from other conditions. Diagnosis depends on a biopsy with histopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis to identify biomarkers such as synaptophysin, chromogranin, CD56 and neuron specific enolase. Our patient's tumor defied precise immunohistochemical characterization because of its primitive character and erratic biomarker expression. The diagnosis oscillated between a neuroendocrine carcinoma and an ectopic esthesioneuroblastoma grade IV-hence the use of the more generic nosologic category of neuroendocrine neoplasm without specifying a neuronal or epithelial origin. Data to guide management are limited, particularly in the ophthalmic literature, and derive from experience with tumors of the sinonasal compartments. In the present case of a sino-orbital high grade neuroendocrine neoplasm, regional lymph node metastases developed shortly after presentation. The tumor has responded well to chemotherapy and radiation, but recurrence is often encountered within 2 years in this class of neoplasms.

Mauris J, Woodward AM, Cao Z, Panjwani N, Argüeso P. Molecular basis for MMP9 induction and disruption of epithelial cell-cell contacts by galectin-3. J Cell Sci 2014;127(Pt 14):3141-8.Abstract
Dynamic modulation of the physical contacts between neighboring cells is integral to epithelial processes such as tissue repair and cancer dissemination. Induction of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity contributes to the disassembly of intercellular junctions and the degradation of the extracellular matrix, thus mitigating the physical constraint to cell movement. Using the cornea as a model, we show here that a carbohydrate-binding protein, galectin-3, promotes cell-cell detachment and redistribution of the tight junction protein occludin through its N-terminal polymerizing domain. Notably, we demonstrate that galectin-3 initiates cell-cell disassembly by inducing matrix metalloproteinase expression in a manner that is dependent on the interaction with and clustering of the matrix metalloproteinase inducer CD147 (also known as EMMPRIN and basigin) on the cell surface. Using galectin-3-knockout mice in an in vivo model of wound healing, we further show that increased synthesis of MMP9 at the leading edge of migrating epithelium is regulated by galectin-3. These findings establish a new galectin-3-mediated regulatory mechanism for induction of metalloproteinase expression and disruption of cell-cell contacts required for cell motility in migrating epithelia.
McCoskey M, Reshef ER, Wolkow N, Yoon MK. Bilateral enlargement of all extraocular muscles: a presenting ophthalmic sign of hematologic malignancy. Orbit 2024;43(1):160-163.Abstract
Hematologic malignancies such as leukemia and lymphoma can frequently present in the orbit; however, involvement of the extraocular muscles is rare. The authors report two cases of systemic hematologic malignancy presenting with bilateral extraocular muscle enlargement and associated compressive optic neuropathy (CON). Both patients experienced clinical and radiographic improvement of ocular and systemic manifestations of disease with prompt initiation of targeted chemotherapy. These cases highlight the importance of including hematologic malignancy in the differential diagnosis of atypical bilateral extraocular muscle enlargement.
McDonald JC, Spruyt O, Alhatem A. Control of intractable pruritus in a patient with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma using a continuous subcutaneous infusion of lidocaine. J Pain Symptom Manage 2015;49(4):e1-3.
Mendoza PR, Jakobiec FA, Krane JF. Immunohistochemical features of lacrimal gland epithelial tumors. Am J Ophthalmol 2013;156(6):1147-1158.e1.Abstract
PURPOSE: To investigate the immunohistochemical features of ocular adnexal pleomorphic adenoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma. DESIGN: Retrospective clinicopathologic study. METHODS: Clinical records and microscopic slides of 7 cases of each tumor type were reviewed. Immunohistochemical probes for Ki-67 and p53, and newer nuclear markers MYB for adenoid cystic carcinoma and PLAG1 for pleomorphic adenoma, were employed. RESULTS: Pleomorphic adenomas were asymptomatic, whereas adenoid cystic carcinomas were painful. No pleomorphic adenomas recurred; 4 adenoid cystic carcinomas recurred, resulting in 3 deaths. Unusual histopathologic variants for which immunohistochemistry proved useful included a myoepithelioma, an atypical pleomorphic adenoma, tubular and solid/basaloid variants of adenoid cystic carcinoma, and a morphologically heterogeneous adenoid cystic carcinoma of a Wolfring gland. For the pleomorphic adenomas, the average Ki-67 proliferation index was 3.8%; p53 was weakly staining, with an average positivity of 18.5%; PLAG1 was strongly positive in all cases; MYB was negative in 5 cases and weakly focally positive in 2 cases. For the adenoid cystic carcinomas, the average Ki-67 proliferation index was 29.1%; p53 stained positively and strongly with an average of 39%; none stained positively for PLAG1; and 6 out of 7 were MYB positive. CONCLUSIONS: Between pleomorphic adenoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma, there was no overlap in Ki-67 positivity. Positivity for p53 showed overlap in only one lesion of each type. PLAG1 and MYB positivity were highly discriminating between pleomorphic adenoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma. Immunohistochemical analysis should be investigated further for its role in the evaluation of pleomorphic adenoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma.
Mouw KW, Sethi RV, Yeap BY, MacDonald SM, Chen Y-LE, Tarbell NJ, Yock TI, Munzenrider JE, Adams J, Grabowski E, Mukai S, Shih HA. Proton Radiation Therapy for the Treatment of Retinoblastoma. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2014;90(4):863-9.Abstract
PURPOSE: To investigate long-term disease and toxicity outcomes for pediatric retinoblastoma patients treated with proton radiation therapy (PRT). METHODS AND MATERIALS: This is a retrospective analysis of 49 retinoblastoma patients (60 eyes) treated with PRT between 1986 and 2012. RESULTS: The majority (84%) of patients had bilateral disease, and nearly half (45%) had received prior chemotherapy. At a median follow-up of 8 years (range, 1-24 years), no patients died of retinoblastoma or developed metastatic disease. The post-PRT enucleation rate was low (18%), especially in patients with early-stage disease (11% for patients with International Classification for Intraocular Retinoblastoma [ICIR] stage A-B disease vs 23% for patients with ICIR stage C-D disease). Post-PRT ophthalmologic follow-up was available for 61% of the preserved eyes (30 of 49): 14 of 30 eyes (47%) had 20/40 visual acuity or better, 7 of 30 (23%) had moderate visual acuity (20/40-20/600), and 9 of 30 (30%) had little or no useful vision (worse than 20/600). Twelve of 60 treated eyes (20%) experienced a post-PRT event requiring intervention, with cataracts the most common (4 eyes). No patients developed an in-field second malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term follow-up of retinoblastoma patients treated with PRT demonstrates that PRT can achieve high local control rates, even in advanced cases, and many patients retain useful vision in the treated eye. Treatment-related ocular side effects were uncommon, and no radiation-associated malignancies were observed.
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Neerukonda VK, Jakobiec FA, Freitag SK, Stagner AM, Wolkow N. Lacrimal Gland Intravascular Micrometastasis From a Human Papillomavirus-Driven Anorectal Squamous Cell Carcinoma With a Review of Metastatic Disease to the Lacrimal Gland. Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg 2020;Abstract
PURPOSE: To document a unique case of anorectal squamous cell carcinoma that was metastatic to the microvasculature of the lacrimal gland in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus and to review previously reported cases of metastases to the lacrimal gland. METHODS: Both a retrospective chart review and comprehensive literature review were performed. The unusual histopathologic pattern of the current case was illustrated with immunohistochemical studies (CD31, D2-40, pancytokeratin, p16, and p63) and in situ hybridization studies for high-risk human papillomavirus types 16 and 18. RESULTS: The authors describe the first case of metastatic anorectal squamous cell carcinoma to the lacrimal gland. Only 24 cases of metastatic disease to the lacrimal gland have been reported, the majority from breast carcinomas. The metastasis did not form a macroscopic lesions, instead was composed of microscopic intravascular and intraparenchymal tumor deposits, a subtle phenomena. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of the intravascular neoplastic cells. p16 served as a surrogate marker for human papillomavirus-associated squamous cell carcinoma and was confirmed with in situ hybridization for human papillomavirus 16 and 18. This testing, combined with the clinical history, defined the diagnosis and confirmed human papillomavirus as the tumor driver. CONCLUSIONS: Metastases to the lacrimal gland remain rare, but clinicians and pathologists alike must be attuned to the possibility of subtle microscopic foci of tumor as a pattern of metastasis in scenarios without a discrete mass-forming lesion, as this may portend a poor prognosis.
Neerukonda VK, Kim IK, Stagner AM. Primary vitreoretinal involvement and immunopositivity for BRAFV600E help distinguish metastatic from primary intraocular melanoma: a detailed histopathologic study of metastatic cutaneous melanoma to the eye. Histopathology 2022;80(7):1061-1070.Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinicopathologic characteristics of metastatic cutaneous melanoma to the eye and identify potential distinguishing characteristics from the more common primary uveal melanoma; particularly, tumour location within the eye, cytomorphology and immunohistochemical/specific molecular genetic features. METHODS: A retrospective observational case series using surgical enucleation and diagnostic vitrectomy cytologic specimens from seven patients with suspected intraocular melanoma, eventually diagnosed as metastatic melanoma, was conducted. Haematoxylin and eosin-stained sections of tumour and immunohistochemical (IHC) stains for BRAFV600E and Ki-67 were critically reviewed; BAP1 IHC was also evaluated in cases where additional tissue was available. Clinical imaging studies and medical records were reviewed. RESULTS: The majority of patients (86%) with metastatic melanoma have primary vitreoretinal (not uveal) involvement and epithelioid, highly malignant cytomorphology (100%); many (50%) harbour BRAFV600E mutations, a finding not seen in large cohorts of primary uveal melanoma. CONCLUSIONS: Characteristics favouring or defining metastatic intraocular melanoma over primary uveal melanoma include high-grade epithelioid cytology, predominant involvement of the vitreous cavity and/or retina, and presence of positive immunostaining for BRAFV600E.
Neerukonda VK, Stagner AM, Wolkow N. Lymphoma of the Lacrimal Sac: The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Experience With a Comparison to the Previously Reported Literature. Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg 2022;38(1):79-86.Abstract
PURPOSE: To describe the frequency, clinical features, and histologic subtypes of biopsy proven lacrimal sac lymphomas, and to compare these results to the previously published literature. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed at a single institution from 2004 to 2017. Pathology reports, operative notes, and patients' medical charts were reviewed. RESULTS: Of 566 lacrimal sacs submitted for routine histopathologic evaluation, 16 cases of lymphoma were identified. All were low-grade, non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphomas, biopsied at an average age of 71 years. Thirteen patients (81.25%) had a pre-existing lymphoma diagnosis; the average interval between the diagnosis of systemic or nonocular adnexal lymphoma and lacrimal sac lymphoma was 7.9 years (range 2-26 years; median 5.5 years). Three cases of primary lacrimal sac lymphoma were identified. Histopathology showed 3 cases (18.75%) of follicular lymphoma, 3 (18.75%) of extranodal marginal zone lymphoma, and 10 (62.5%) of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma. Primary cases presented with epiphora and nasolacrimal duct obstruction, while secondary cases predominantly manifested as dacryocystitis. All lacrimal sac neoplasms were locally responsive (without local recurrence) to chemotherapy, radiation, or both. CONCLUSIONS: Lacrimal sac lymphoma is uncommon but should be suspected among patients with known lymphoma who develop dacryocystitis. In this series, primary lacrimal sac lymphoma most often presented as a mass or nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma was the most commonly identified cause of secondary lacrimal sac lymphoma. Distinguishing primary from secondary lacrimal sac lymphomas is important, as the extent of disease and histopathologic subtypes differ, which may affect patient management.
Nguyen HV, Jakobiec FA, Zakka FR, Yoon MK. Bilateral Upper and Lower Eyelid Margin Swelling and Madarosis due to Lymphoma. Surv Ophthalmol 2017;Abstract
Over a 2 year period a 32-year-old woman developed swellings of all 4 eyelid margins accompanied by complete loss of eyelashes. An inflammatory dermatologic condition was considered the most likely cause. A full thickness right lower eyelid biopsy revealed a multinodular lymphoid tumor at the eyelid margin which immunophenotypically and genetically was diagnosed as an extranodal marginal zone lymphoma. The mode of presentation of the disease was considered to be most unusual, as was its B cell lineage, since the majority of primary cutaneous lymphomas are of T-cell origin. Systemic workup demonstrated bilateral involvement of the external auditory canals.
North VS, Habib L, Yoon MK. Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the Eyelid: a Review. Surv Ophthalmol 2019;Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive tumor of both epithelial and neuroendocrine origin that carries a mortality rate of up to 40%. MCC tumors typically present as painless, expanding nodules on the sun-exposed skin areas of older, white patients. Eyelid and periocular tumors comprise approximately 2.5% of all cases of MCC and may be mistaken for chalazia or basal cell carcinomas. Immunosuppression is a significant risk factor, particularly in solid-organ transplant recipients, patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and patients with HIV. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is often employed for accurate staging of head and neck MCC. Treatment includes wide-local excision, commonly with the addition of radiotherapy for improved locoregional disease control. Historically, adjuvant chemotherapy had been reserved for metastatic disease, but immunotherapy and targeted chemotherapies are currently being investigated for use in primary disease. The clinical characteristics of all available published cases of eyelid MCC are summarized .
North VS, Starks VS, Lee NG. Basal Cell Carcinoma Masquerading as a Chalazion in a 27-Year-Old Woman. JAMA Ophthalmol 2019;137(7):e185435.
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Oellers P, Wolkow N, Jakobiec FA, Kim IK. Hemorrhagic choroidal melanoma. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep 2018;10:105-107.Abstract
Purpose: To demonstrate the clinical pathologic correlation in a hemorrhagic choroidal melanoma. Observations: A 52 year old patient presented with a large choroidal mass associated with vitreous and retinal hemorrhage. The eye was enucleated and histopathology demonstrated epithelioid-type MART1 positive tumor cells consistent with choroidal melanoma. The tumor had broken through Bruch's membrane, which led to localized vascular compression with bleeding into the subretinal space, retina and vitreous. Conclusions and importance: Choroidal melanoma rarely presents with hemorrhage. Tumor rupture through Bruch's membrane may result in a tourniquet effect on the tumor vasculature leading to massive hemorrhage, as in this case. A high level of clinical suspicion is required to make the diagnosis.
Oellers P, Mowery YM, Perez BA, Stinnett S, Mettu P, Vajzovic L, Light K, Steffey BA, Cai J, Dutton JJ, Buckley EG, Halperin EC, Marks LB, Kirsch DG, Mruthyunjaya P. Efficacy and Safety of Low-Dose Iodine Plaque Brachytherapy for Juxtapapillary Choroidal Melanoma. Am J Ophthalmol 2018;186:32-40.Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate low- vs high-dose plaque brachytherapy for juxtapapillary choroidal melanoma. DESIGN: Retrospective interventional case series. METHODS: Setting: Single institution. STUDY POPULATION: Forty-seven patients with juxtapapillary choroidal melanoma. INTERVENTION: Iodine-125 plaque brachytherapy. Eyes were divided into apex low-dose (LD) and high-dose (HD) groups (≤ or > median apex dose 84.35 Gy). Main outcome measures were time to distant failure, local failure, death, enucleation, radiation retinopathy, optic neuropathy, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). RESULTS: Freedom from distant failure rates were 96% and 95% in apex LD and HD groups at 5 years and 77% and 95% at 10 years, respectively (P = .84). Freedom from local failure rates were 90% in the apex LD group vs 89% in the HD group at 5 and 10 years (P = .96). Apex LD and HD groups did not differ for time to death or enucleation. Five- and 10-year freedom from radiation retinopathy and optic neuropathy rates were higher in the apex LD than HD group. Loss of ≥3 BCVA lines, final BCVA 20/40 or better, and final BCVA 20/200 or worse were more favorable in the 5 mm LD compared to HD group. Visual acuity outcomes did not differ between apex LD and HD groups. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose iodine-125 plaque brachytherapy (67.5-81 Gy at tumor apex) provides safe and effective tumor control for juxtapapillary choroidal melanoma and may be associated with reduced radiation toxicity. Larger trials are needed to determine the optimal therapeutic dose for juxtapapillary choroidal melanoma.
Orbach DB, VanderVeen DK, Shah AS, Rodriguez-Galindo C. Blue toe syndrome: a complication of intra-arterial technique, not intra-arterial chemotherapy for retinoblastoma. JAMA Ophthalmol 2014;132(5):654.
Ozawa H, Usui Y, Takano Y, Horiuchi N, Kuribayashi T, Kurihara T, Smith LEH, Tsubota K, Tomita Y. Iris metastasis as the initial presentation of metastatic esophageal cancer diagnosed by fine needle aspiration biopsy: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021;100(22):e26232.Abstract
RATIONALE: Metastasis of neoplasms to the eye is quite uncommon. In this case report, we describe a patient where primary esophageal cancer was diagnosed by fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of an iris tumor. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 70-year-old male complained of redness and discomfort in the right eye. DIAGNOSIS AND INTERVENTIONS: The patient's right eye was diagnosed as idiopathic uveitis, and a topical steroid was administered. As vitreous opacities were observed even after topical therapy, oral prednisolone was administered. On slit-lamp examination of the right eye, an iris mass with neovascularization was seen in the anterior chamber. A metastatic tumor was suspected, and FNAB was performed. Histology revealed squamous cell carcinoma. Systemic workup revealed esophageal cancer with several metastases. Best-corrected visual acuity decreased to 20/400, and intraocular pressure was 40 mmHg in the right eye. Two iris tumors with neovascularization were present extending into the anterior chamber with posterior iris synechiae and 360 degree peripheral anterior synechiae. Intraocular pressure in the right eye was medically managed with hypotensive eye drops and oral acetazolamide. Iris metastases were treated with 40 Gray of radiation therapy and concurrent chemotherapy. OUTCOMES: The tumor regressed, but intraocular pressure was refractory to treatment because of 360 degree goniosynechial closure. The right eye lost light perception six months after treatment commenced, and the patient died 9 months after the onset of therapy due to multiple systemic metastases. LESSONS: This is a rare case of masquerade syndrome without systemic symptoms in which FNAB of an iris tumor led to a diagnosis of metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Although the patient lost his sight due to uncontrollable ocular hypertension, systemic chemotherapy, and radiation therapy were initially effective in the treatment of the metastatic iris tumor. As the prognosis of patients with metastatic iris tumors is poor, it is important for ophthalmologists to consider such diagnoses and conduct systemic investigations when necessary.
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Papageorgiou GI, Symeonidis DG, Tsakatikas SA, Liatsos AD, Douglas KA, Douglas VP, Moschos MM, Kosmas C. Central neurotoxicity induced by trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1): a case report. Anticancer Drugs 2021;32(10):1146-1149.Abstract
Trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) is a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2) - targeted antibody-drug conjugate that is approved for patients previously treated with trastuzumab and a taxane for Her2-positive advanced breast cancer and those who have progressed within 6 months of completion of adjuvant chemotherapy, as well as for patients with residual invasive Her2-positive disease after the completion of adjuvant chemotherapy. Peripheral neuropathy is a common adverse event; however, ocular events have also been described. With the current report we present the case of a 67-year old woman who developed transient grade 2-3 blurred vision after the first T-DM1 infusion, which was complicated with grade 2 diplopia causing vertigo after the second infusion. After extended investigation, this symptomatology was attributed to central neurotoxicity, and gradually resolved after T-DM1 discontinuation.

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