Optic neuropathy secondary to dasatinib in the treatment of a chronic myeloid leukemia case

The drug dasatinib is a new therapeutic option for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) as well as acute lymphocytic lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, the scientific literature has not reached a consensus regarding the types of secondary ophthalmologic effects that this drug may have. In this study, we present the case of a 36-year-old male patient who was treated with dasatinib. Two and a half months later, this patient began to experience progressive visual loss in the superior visual field of both eyes. After ruling out various diagnostic options and performing extensive complementary tests, the suspected diagnosis was compatible with optic neuropathy secondary to dasatinib. The patient partially improved after stopping this medication and receiving oral corticosteroid treatment. Although secondary ophthalmological effects related to dasatinib are practically non-existent, our case is the first to report optic neuropathy secondary to this drug.