MEK inhibitor-associated retinopathy (MEKAR) in metastatic melanoma: Long-term ophthalmic effects. (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Urner-Bloch, U.; Urner, M.; Jaberg-Bentele, N.; Frauchiger, A.L.; Dummer, R.; Goldinger, S.M.
• Is Part Of: European journal of cancer. Volume 65(2016)
• Page Start: 130
• Page End: 138
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: MEK inhibition -- Retinopathy -- Melanoma -- Long-term treatment -- Optical coherence tomography -- BRAF inhibition; Cancer -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Périodiques; Cancer; Tumors; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2016.06.018
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-8049

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors have aroused considerable interest in oncology. Activity has been demonstrated in various types of cancer, especially melanoma. MEK inhibitors induce a transient retinopathy, considered to be a class effect. At present, only sparse data are available on retinal effects with long-term MEK inhibition. Patients and methods: In this prospective, observational study, patients with advanced melanoma participating in different phase 1/2 or phase 3 clinical trials were treated with the MEK inhibitor binimetinib, with a v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (BRAF) inhibitor, or with combination therapy. They underwent regular ophthalmological examinations including determination of visual function, biomicroscopy, dilated fundoscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT) for a period of up to 2 years. Retinopathy was diagnosed on defined OCT criteria. Results: Sixty-two patients were investigated between 1st October 2011 and 31st July 2015: 13 were treated with the MEK inhibitor binimetinib alone, 10 with a selective BRAF inhibitor, and 39 with combination therapy. In 92% of patients on monotherapy and 100% of those on combination treatment, binimetinib caused dose-related lesions with serous neuroretinal detachments and oedema, strongly dependent on the time after medication. With continued treatment, retinal volume and thickness decreased to levels below baseline, without any apparent functional deficits or changes in structural integrity. Conclusions: Binimetinib induces a specific retinopathy with daily fluctuations depending on the time interval after medication. The retinopathy partially recovers, but can still be detected many months later. Retinal thinning, possible first signs of retinal atrophy have been observed after long-term treatment, but, so far, without functional relevance. Highlights: Binimetinib is safe regarding ocular side-effects, for treatment up to 2 years. Binimetinib causes a dose- and time-dependent retinopathy with mild visual symptoms. The appearance of the lesions is related to the time elapsed since medication. The addition of a RAF inhibitor modulates the aspect of the lesion. Signs of retinal thinning without visual loss were found after long-term treatment.