Ocular and orbital side effects of ALK inhibitors: a review article

ALK inhibitors are a new group of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, highly efficient in the treatment of non-small-cell lung carcinoma. However, these targeted therapies can induce various adverse effects, including ocular toxicity. To date, few articles reporting ophthalmological side effects of ALK inhibitors have been published. In this review, we aim to describe the different side effects and to collect information regarding the causes behind the discrepancy between the reported rates of visual disorders. Frequent ocular side effects of ALK inhibitors included flashes, post-flashbulb effect, stripes, photopsia, accommodation disorder, presbyopia, reduced visual acuity and blurred vision. Optic neuropathy, vitreous floaters, diplopia, cataract and macular edema were also reported.