Interferon-induced retinopathy in asymptomatic cancer patients

Objectives: Interferon-induced ocular complications, including retinal isch emia and ischemic optic neuropathy, can be associated with significant visu al loss. We report three cases of asymptomatic ischemic retinopathy in canc er patients receiving interferon. Design: Retrospective, interventional, noncomparative small case series. Methods: Retrospective review of the medical records and fundus photographs . Results: Interferon-induced ischemic retinopathy can occur in asymptomatic cancer patients. The retinal changes are usually reversible with discontinu ation of interferon therapy. Conclusions: These three cases underscore the importance of dilated fundusc opic examination at baseline and during follow-up, at least every 3 months, for all cancer patients receiving interferon to identify retinal toxicity at its earliest stages. A prospective study evaluating the incidence and se verity of interferon retinopathy in cancer patients would be prudent. Ophth almology 2001;108:858-860 (C) 2001 by the American Academy of Ophthalmology .