Bilateral panuveitis in a patient on vemurafenib BRAF inhibitor therapy for stage IV melanoma

Eur J Ophthalmol. 2014 Jul-Aug;24(4):629-32. doi: 10.5301/ejo.5000423. Epub 2014 Jan 22.

Abstract

Purpose: To describe a case of recurrent, bilateral panuveitis caused by the BRAF proto-oncogene inhibitor vemurafenib.

Methods: Case report.

Results: A 25-year-old woman developed bilateral panuveitis and macular edema after initiating treatment with the BRAF enzyme inhibitor vemurafenib for stage IV cutaneous melanoma. The patient was successfully treated with sub-Tenon triamcinolone injections along with cessation of the medication.

Conclusions: Panuveitis is a potential adverse effect of vemurafenib. Good communication with oncology is necessary, in case the medication needs to be discontinued.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Indoles / adverse effects*
  • Macular Edema / chemically induced
  • Macular Edema / drug therapy
  • Melanoma / drug therapy*
  • Melanoma / pathology
  • Melanoma, Cutaneous Malignant
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Panuveitis / chemically induced*
  • Panuveitis / drug therapy
  • Proto-Oncogene Mas
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Recurrence
  • Skin Neoplasms
  • Sulfonamides / adverse effects*
  • Tenon Capsule / drug effects
  • Triamcinolone Acetonide / therapeutic use
  • Vemurafenib

Substances

  • Indoles
  • MAS1 protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Mas
  • Sulfonamides
  • Vemurafenib
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf
  • Triamcinolone Acetonide