Shapoo Nidha, Rehman Abdul, Mattana Joseph, Jen-Chin Wang, Gotlieb Vladimir
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Cemiplimab is a programmed death receptor-1 inhibitor that has been approved for the treatment of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). The immune-related adverse events most commonly reported with cemiplimab are thyroiditis, pneumonitis, and hepatitis. Ocular adverse events have been rarely reported. We present a rare case of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH)-like syndrome in a patient with CSCC being treated with cemiplimab. A 53-year-old woman presented with bilateral progressive visual disturbances, eye pain, and headache for 4 weeks after 4 cycles of neo-adjuvant cemiplimab therapy for stage IV CSCC of the lower back. The detailed ophthalmologic evaluation established the diagnosis of VKH-like syndrome with panuveitis, subretinal fibrosis, and exudative retinal detachment. The patient received high-dose intravenous and topical steroids followed by a gradual taper of oral steroids over 6 months. Cemiplimab was discontinued. There was significant improvement in her symptoms with the resolution of subretinal fluid, choroidal elevations, and retinal detachment. VKH-like syndrome is an immune-mediated disorder that affects pigmented structures and is a significant cause of noninfectious uveitis. Drug-related uveitis has been seen more commonly with immune checkpoint inhibitors than with other drug classes and can occur anytime during the treatment. The mainstay of treatment of VKH-like syndrome is high-dose intravenous corticosteroids. In resistant cases, immunosuppressive therapies and biological agents are beneficial. This case highlights the importance of prompt recognition of VKH-like syndrome associated with cemiplimab, enabling timely intervention to prevent permanent vision loss.
期刊介绍:
The AFMR is committed to enhancing the training and career development of our members and to furthering its mission to facilitate the conduct of research to improve medical care. Case reports represent an important avenue for trainees (interns, residents, and fellows) and early-stage faculty to demonstrate productive, scholarly activity.