Bilateral acute simultaneous onset anterior uveitis presumed secondary to erlotinib: A report of two cases

• Main Authors: Kendra A. Klein, Christopher G. Azzoli, Lana M. Rifkin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2017-06-01
• Series: American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports
• Subjects: Erlotinib; Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor; Non-small cell lung cancer; Anterior uveitis; Tarceva
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2451993616300834

Purpose: To report two new cases of presumed erlotinib-associated bilateral acute simultaneous-onset anterior uveitis effectively treated with topical steroids. Observations: Two patients were referred to the uveitis clinic with bilateral acute simultaneous onset, anterior uveitis six weeks after starting the chemotherapeutic agent erlotinib. Frequent topical steroid were started and the inflammation responded swiftly and completely. Conclusions: and Importance: Bilateral acute simultaneous onset anterior uveitis is a potential side effect associated with erlotinib use that has not been well described. Physicians should be aware of this potential association in patients with recent treatment with erlotinib who complain of blurred vision, photophobia, or redness of the eyes. In some cases, the inflammation responds well to topical therapy and medication can be continued.