The Evaluation of Ocular Toxicity of Chemotherapy Drugs

Seyed Mojtaba  Sohrevardi; Morteza Zangeneh  Soroush; Hamid Owliaey; Elnaz  Sheikhpour

doi:10.18502/ijpho.v14i4.16603

Seyed Mojtaba Sohrevardi Department of Pharmacotherapy, Facullty of Pharmacy, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
Morteza Zangeneh Soroush Department of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Hamid Owliaey Department of Forensic Medicine & Clinical Toxicology, Yazd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran
Elnaz Sheikhpour Hematology and Oncology Research center, Shahid Sadoughi hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijpho.v14i4.16603

Keywords: Chemotherapy, Cyclophosphamide, Ocular, Tamoxifen, Toxicity

Abstract

Cancer continues to pose a substantial global health burden and remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Encouragingly, survival rates have consistently improved, largely due to advancements in diagnosis and treatment. The development of anticancer drugs, including cytotoxic chemotherapy, hormonal agents, and targeted therapies, has significantly enhanced the efficacy of cancer treatments.

Chemotherapy-induced ocular toxicity encompasses a wide range of disorders, influenced by the eye's unique anatomical and physiological characteristics. The mechanisms of these drugs can lead to systemic and ocular side effects, including cytotoxicity, inflammation, and neurotoxicity. While ocular side effects from targeted therapies are less common, they can be severe, disabling, and potentially irreversible. In some cases, immediate discontinuation of the drug may be necessary to prevent vision-threatening complications.

Understanding these ocular side effects is crucial for early recognition and intervention by ophthalmologists and oncologists to prevent blindness. Additionally, anticipating treatment-related toxicities enables pharmacists to develop strategies that minimize or mitigate these side effects.

This review focuses on the ocular toxicity associated with the most significant anticancer chemotherapeutic agents.