Purpose:
To describe the ocular effects associated with the administrationof epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor inhibitors, Panitumumaband Erlotinib.
Methods:
Noncomparative interventional case series included 8 eyes of4 patients in treatment with EGF receptor inhibitors, 3 withErlotinib for end-stage lung carcinoma and 1 with Panitumumabfor end-stage colorectal cancer.
Results:
Multiple epithelial defects were observed in 8 eyes, cornealmelting and thinning were observed in 3 eyes of 2 patients,2 eyes of 1 patient presented with lower lid ectropion, andcorneal perforation in 2 eyes of 2 patients, both requiringa penetrating keratoplasty.
Conclusions:
Severe ocular side effects, including perforated corneal ulcers,may be associated with the use of the EGF inhibitors panitumaband erlotinib.
Keywords: cornea: clinical science • growth factors/growth factor receptors • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: outcomes/complications