Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Mediated Keratitis: A Case Study

This case study highlights the need for palliative care (PC) clinicians to expand their knowledge of rare complications associated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs) in cancer treatment. We describe a 73-year-old male with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue who developed ICI-mediated keratitis as a side effect of pembrolizumab. The patient's preexisting opioid regimen for chronic pain complicated the management of acute ocular pain, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach. This case demonstrates how a thorough understanding of novel cancer therapies and their adverse effects is critical for PC teams to facilitate timely diagnosis, initiate effective treatment, and enhance patient outcomes.