Vincristine induced cortical blindness: An alarming but reversible side effect

Abstract

Vincristine is one of the commonest chemotherapeutic agents in the practice of pediatric oncology. Although peripheral neuropathy is a dose limiting adverse event, blindness secondary to vincristine is seldom reported. We describe a child with Wilms tumor who developed transient visual loss after administration of vincristine. The child underwent early surgery and vincristine was re-introduced at reduced doses and gradually escalated to full dose while closely monitoring for recurrence. Blindness is a distressing adverse event, and re-exposure to the offending agent involves a conscientious decision.

Keywords

• Amaurosis
• Reversible blindness
• Vinca alkaloids
• Relapsed Wilms' tumor
• Neuropathy