Retinopathy Associated with Adjuvant Interferon in a Patient with Malignant Melanoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Interferons are kinds of proteins with immuneregulatory, antiviral and anti-proliferative functions. Interferons are widely used worldwide for the treatment of many diseases including cancer, hepatit C and immune mediated disease such as multiple sclerosis. Long-term use of interferons have some side effects. However, interferons have ophthalmologic side effects. Ocular toxicity may occur at any time during treatment. There is no association between the dose or duration of interferon treatment and ocular toxicity. Although visual acuity returns to normal in most patients when interferon is discontinued, vision loss may be permanent.