Neuro-ophthalmic manifestations of cancer: a narrative review

Abstract

Background and Objective: Neuro-ophthalmic manifestations of cancer are vast and early recognition of a serious ocular condition due to either cancer or its therapy is important for both vision preservation as well as providing valuable treatment and prognostic information regarding the underlying malignancy. This review focuses on direct and indirect effects of cancer on the eye and its adnexa, hematologic malignancy, complications of traditional and novel oncologic therapies, and paraneoplastic syndromes as they relate to the eye as these disorders can lead to potentially devastating or irreversible vision loss.Methods: PubMed was searched primarily for the following topics: optic nerve infiltration, primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL), ocular paraneoplastic disorders, and ophthalmic complications of cancer therapeutics. Literature was selected based on historical significance and landmark studies (e.g., Cross et al.series of paraneoplastic optic neuritis patients; Chan's textbook on primary intraocular lymphoma) as well as publications published after 2000. References from select studies were additionally included. Given the sparsity of literature on many subjects, most publications were included during this time frame in our review.

Bilateral optic nerve infiltration and leukemic retinopathy as initial signs of leukemia relapse with central nervous system involvement in an adult: A case report

“…In the present case, cerebral MRI showed no enhancement of the optic nerve top or bottom, which also explains that radiological features are neither speci c nor sensitive for ocular leukemia [26] . A recent review illustrated the poor sensitivity of CSF cytology [27] . Of note, we highlight the priority and sensitivity of ophthalmic examinations, as they are noninvasive methods for detecting disease relapse.…”

Bilateral optic nerve infiltration and leukemic retinopathy as initial signs of leukemia relapse with central nervous system involvement in an adult: a case report

“…In the present case, cerebral MRI showed no enhancement of the optic nerve top or bottom, which also explains that radiological features are neither specific nor sensitive for ocular leukemia [ 24 ]. A recent review illustrated the poor sensitivity of CSF cytology [ 25 ]. Progress in the research and therapy of adult ALL is accelerating [ 26 ], and future studies should investigate better approaches for the early diagnosis of relapsed disease and more intensive strategies to improve patient survival.…”

Blinding Optic Neuropathy Associated With Carboplatin Therapy: A Case Report and Literature Review

“…Many subtypes of cancers and chemotherapeutics are associated with optic neuropathy. The classification of such neuropathy is dependent on the mechanism of optic nerve injury, including subtypes such as infiltrative, compressive, paraneoplastic, metabolic, infectious, or ischemic [1]. Carboplatin is a commonly used platinum analogue used to treat a range of cancers.…”