The impact of anticancer drugs on the ocular surface

Chiang JCB 1 , Zahari I 2 , Markoulli M 3 , Krishnan AV 4 , Park SB 5 , Semmler A 6 Show all authors , Goldstein D 7 , Edwards K 6

Affiliations 

  • 1 School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. Electronic address: jeremychungbo.chiang@unsw.edu.au
  • 2 Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia; Department of Optometry & Visual Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
  • 3 School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
  • 4 Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
  • 5 Brain and Mind Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
  • 6 Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
  • 7 Department of Medical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
Ocul Surf, 2020 07;18(3):403-417.
PMID: 32344148 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2020.03.008

Abstract

Cancer is a global health problem and is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Pleasingly, the rate of survival has improved and continues in an upward trend mainly due to better diagnosis and treatment modalities. In particular, the development of anticancer drugs including cytotoxic chemotherapy, hormonal agents and targeted therapies have provided the most effective treatment options in combatting cancerous cells. However, the antineoplastic mechanisms of these drugs can also lead to undesirable systemic and ocular side effects resulting from cytotoxicity, inflammation and neurotoxicity. While survival rates are projected to increase with time, the number of patients presenting with these side effects that can substantially impact quality of life will also rise. The current paper reviews the ocular surface and adnexal side effects of anticancer drugs, the appropriate management and possible interactions between drugs for ocular surface pathology treatment and the anticancer drugs.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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