OCULAR SIDE EFFECTS OF SOME ANTINEOPLASTIC DRUGS IN THE MALE ALBINO RAT (RATTUS NORVEGICUS)

Abstract

Systemic anticancer therapies can produce acute and chronic organ damage, but the eye is usually considered a protected site since the ocular-visual system has potentionally a high degree of sensitivity to toxic substances. While studying the effects of some anticancer drugs such as alkylating agents (Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Oxaliplatin, and Cyclophosphamide);antimetabolite (Methotrexate); plant alkaloid (Vincristine and Etoposide);anthracycline antibiotic (Doxorubicin) on the reproductive system and thyroid gland of rats, some ocular side effects were reported. Our observations are restricted to ocular surfaces including eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea and hemorrhage in the orbital area. These side effects were dose and duration dependent. Such studies would be useful to ophthalmologist, oncologists and in clinical management of oncology patients.