Erlotinib (Tarceva) is a human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Some patients who have received it have had ocular complications, some of which have been serious.
Chemical type: quinazolinamine
Approved for: advanced non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer. It has been investigated in additional tumors (renal, gynecologic, etc.)
Ocular complications that have been reported:
(1) keratitis
(2) keratoconjunctivitis sicca, with dry eye
(3) corneal ulcerations
(4) corneal perforation
(5) abnormal eyelash growth
where:
• Abnormal eyelash growth can occur as a paraneoplastic finding.
Therapy with erlotinib should be discontinued if the patient develops ocular complaint, such as pain or disturbance in vision. The patient should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist if a significant problem is suspected.
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