Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Mediated Keratitis: A Case Study.
Ryan Baldeo, William E Rosa, Jamie Ellis-Wittenhagen et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 73-year-old man with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue developed keratitis attributed to pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor. Acute ocular pain was difficult to manage in the context of his preexisting opioid regimen for chronic pain. The report describes a multidisciplinary approach to managing the ocular pain and treatment-related complication, emphasizing timely recognition of the adverse effect. The abstract does not specify the diagnostic findings, treatment details, or clinical resolution.
What made this case unusual
The case highlights the challenge of managing acute ocular pain from immune checkpoint inhibitor–associated keratitis in a patient already receiving opioids for chronic pain.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
In patients receiving pembrolizumab, keratitis may present as a treatment-related complication; recognizing this possibility can support timely diagnosis and coordinated management.