Pembrolizumab Associated Bilateral Optic Neuritis
Abstract
PURPOSE: : Case report. RESULTS: A 52-year-old female on Pembrolizumab for vulvar squamous cell carcinoma developed bilateral optic neuritis due to an altered immune system secondary to pembrolizumab targeting her nervous system. CONCLUSION: Though brain metastasis and paraneoplastic optic neuropathy are feared complications in cancer patients with vision loss, drug induced bilateral optic neuropathy is a rare possibility and should be considered. As immune checkpoint inhibitors continue to grow in popularity and are approved for more uses, it is important for vigilant monitoring of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) as well as quick and effective management of these adverse reactions. Our patient did not respond to intravenous steroids and subsequent plasmapheresis helped good visual recovery.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Cancer Immunotherapy and Biomarkers
Brain Metastases and Treatment
Autoimmune Neurological Disorders and Treatments
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Ocular Immunology and Inflammation
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 34
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 1192–1195
- Publication date
- 20 May 2026
- Language
- EN