Rapidly progressing bilateral cataracts during mirvetuximab soravtansine therapy: a case series

Introduction Mirvetuximab soravtansine is an antibody-drug conjugate approved for the treatment of folate receptor alpha-expressing ovarian cancer and is associated with ocular adverse events. Patients treated with mirvetuximab soravtansine often develop moderate to severe keratopathy, requiring topical steroids. Recent studies suggest a higher incidence of cataract formation than initially reported. This case series describes rapid development of visually significant cataracts in three patients receiving mirvetuximab therapy. Case Presentations Three female patients undergoing treatment with mirvetuximab soravtansine for platinum-resistant serous ovarian cancer experienced significant visual decline after 11, 18, and 19 treatment cycles, in one case progressing from 20/25 to counting fingers in both eyes within 10 weeks. All patients had baseline ophthalmic examinations and were treated with prophylactic topical corticosteroids to mitigate corneal complications. Despite standard management, each patient developed bilateral posterior subcapsular cataracts with substantial loss of visual acuity (Table 1). Patients underwent sequential or same-day bilateral cataract extraction without complication. Postoperatively, all patients regained their baseline vision, and oncologic therapy was continued. Conclusion Rapidly progressing posterior subcapsular cataracts may occur in patients receiving prolonged mirvetuximab soravtansine therapy and may reflect drug-related toxicity, steroid exposure, or a synergistic interaction. Given that these patients did not develop cataracts until later cycles, ophthalmologic monitoring may be warranted beyond the duration specified in current treatment protocols. Early recognition and cataract surgery can restore vision without requiring cessation of oncologic therapy.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Ocular Oncology and Pathology
Published
2026-05-21
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1159/000552640
Primary Topic
Drug-Induced Ocular Toxicity
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Rapidly progressing bilateral cataracts during mirvetuximab soravtansine therapy: a case series

Connor J. Alder, Ashley Ahlbrand, Carolyn K. McCourt, Erin G. Sieck
Ocular Oncology and Pathology
Drug-Induced Ocular Toxicity
article

Rapidly progressing bilateral cataracts during mirvetuximab soravtansine therapy: a case series

Connor J. Alder, Ashley Ahlbrand, Carolyn K. McCourt, Erin G. Sieck
article en

Abstract

Introduction Mirvetuximab soravtansine is an antibody-drug conjugate approved for the treatment of folate receptor alpha-expressing ovarian cancer and is associated with ocular adverse events. Patients treated with mirvetuximab soravtansine often develop moderate to severe keratopathy, requiring topical steroids. Recent studies suggest a higher incidence of cataract formation than initially reported. This case series describes rapid development of visually significant cataracts in three patients receiving mirvetuximab therapy. Case Presentations Three female patients undergoing treatment with mirvetuximab soravtansine for platinum-resistant serous ovarian cancer experienced significant visual decline after 11, 18, and 19 treatment cycles, in one case progressing from 20/25 to counting fingers in both eyes within 10 weeks. All patients had baseline ophthalmic examinations and were treated with prophylactic topical corticosteroids to mitigate corneal complications. Despite standard management, each patient developed bilateral posterior subcapsular cataracts with substantial loss of visual acuity (Table 1). Patients underwent sequential or same-day bilateral cataract extraction without complication. Postoperatively, all patients regained their baseline vision, and oncologic therapy was continued. Conclusion Rapidly progressing posterior subcapsular cataracts may occur in patients receiving prolonged mirvetuximab soravtansine therapy and may reflect drug-related toxicity, steroid exposure, or a synergistic interaction. Given that these patients did not develop cataracts until later cycles, ophthalmologic monitoring may be warranted beyond the duration specified in current treatment protocols. Early recognition and cataract surgery can restore vision without requiring cessation of oncologic therapy.

Ocular Oncology and Pathology
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 5%
Drug-Induced Ocular Toxicity
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Rapidly progressing bilateral cataracts during mirvetuximab soravtansine therapy: a case series — Connor J. Alder, Ashley Ahlbrand, et al. · Ocular Oncology and Pathology (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS