Abstract
RATIONALE: Taxanes, derived from Taxus chinesnsis, stabilize microtubules and include drugs like Paclitaxel, Docetaxel, and Nab-paclitaxel. These are commonly used to treat various malignant tumors. However, Taxane-drug-induced cystoid macular edema (TDICME) is a rare and often under-recognized complication. PATIENT CONCERNS: A male patient, aged sixty-three, who was diagnosed with poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma, experienced a progressive decline in visual acuity in both eyes after a 4-month course of nab-paclitaxel therapy. DIAGNOSES: Upon Fundus examination, bilateral cystoid macular edema (CME) was seen. INTERVENTIONS: Undergo treatment with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and discontinue the use of nab-paclitaxel. OUTCOMES: After eleven days of treatment with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, the patient reported significant improvement in visual acuity. Furthermore, CME was completely resolved in both eyes 8 weeks after stopping nab-paclitaxel. LESSONS: This case highlights the potential therapeutic effectiveness of topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors in treating TDICME. Our findings underscore the importance of monitoring and addressing ocular side effects in patients undergoing Taxane therapy, ultimately contributing to enhanced patient quality of life and treatment outcomes.