Phlyctenular Keratoconjunctivitis Associated With Pembrolizumab Therapy: A Rare Ocular Adverse Effect Of Pd 1 Inhibitors
Published 2026 - 44th Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: POCOR575 | Type: Poster | DOI: 10.82333/9b2d-wk61
Authors: Dr Stephanie Wing Ki Yuk* 1 , Dr Kendrick Co Shih 2
1Ophthalmology,Grantham Hospital,Hong Kong,Hong Kong, 2Ophthalmology,University of Hong Kong,Hong Kong,Hong Kong
Purpose
To report an uncommon case of phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis associated with pembrolizumab, a programmed death‑1 (PD‑1) inhibitor.
Setting
Gleneagles Hospital, Hong Kong
Methods
A case report with literature review
Results
An 84‑year‑old male with biopsy‑confirmed malignant melanoma of the right ear and left temporal scalp commenced pembrolizumab therapy. One month after treatment initiation, he developed a nodular inflammatory lesion in the right eye. Ocular examination revealed nasal phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis in the right eye. There were no signs of infection or tumor metastasis. The presentation was attributed to an immune‑related adverse event secondary to PD‑1 inhibition. The patient was managed with topical corticosteroids, lubricating eyedrops, and prophylactic antibiotics.
Conclusions
PD‑1 inhibitor–associated ocular inflammation is an uncommon but important immune‑related adverse event. Early recognition and prompt management are essential to prevent vision‑threatening complications. This case underscores the need for close ophthalmic monitoring in patients receiving immunotherapy.