Cancer associated retinopathy (CAR) is a paraneoplastic disease of the eye associated with the presence of extraocular malignancy and circulating autoantibodies against retinal proteins.
Comprehensive, easy-to-understand information about this condition
How we create this content →The limited documentation surrounding cancer-associated retinopathy can be attributed to its rarity and the complexity of its clinical presentation. As a paraneoplastic syndrome, it often overlaps with other conditions and is influenced by the presence of malignancies, which complicates systematic study. Consequently, comprehensive clinical data and genetic insights remain sparse.
Patients with cancer-associated retinopathy often experience significant visual impairment, with symptoms including visual loss, reduced visual acuity, and progressive visual field defects. Commonly reported symptoms also include photophobia and photopsia, with an electronegative electroretinogram observed in many cases. These symptoms typically arise in conjunction with underlying malignancies, particularly in the context of small cell lung carcinoma and other genitourinary tumors.
To navigate your care effectively, consider consulting with a specialist in retinal diseases or a neuro-ophthalmologist who has experience with paraneoplastic syndromes. While there are no specific patient organizations for cancer-associated retinopathy, resources like the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) at rarediseases.info.nih.gov may provide valuable information. Additionally, inquire about participation in clinical trials or natural history studies that could contribute to a better understanding of the condition.
Currently, there is one active clinical trial investigating cancer-associated retinopathy. This trial may offer insights into potential treatments or management strategies for the condition. For more information on ongoing research, you can visit the ClinicalTrials.gov search page: https://clinicaltrials.gov/search?cond=cancer-associated%20retinopathy.
Actionable guidance for navigating care for cancer-associated retinopathy
To navigate your care effectively, consider consulting with a specialist in retinal diseases or a neuro-ophthalmologist who has experience with paraneoplastic syndromes. While there are no specific patient organizations for cancer-associated retinopathy, resources like the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) at rarediseases.info.nih.gov may provide valuable information. Additionally, inquire about participation in clinical trials or natural history studies that could contribute to a better understanding of the condition.
Consider asking your healthcare providers these condition-specific questions
Helpful links for rare disease information and support
The limited documentation surrounding cancer-associated retinopathy can be attributed to its rarity and the complexity of its clinical presentation. As a paraneoplastic syndrome, it often overlaps with other conditions and is influenced by the presence of malignancies, which complicates systematic study. Consequently, comprehensive clinical data and genetic insights remain sparse.
Patients with cancer-associated retinopathy often experience significant visual impairment, with symptoms including visual loss, reduced visual acuity, and progressive visual field defects. Commonly reported symptoms also include photophobia and photopsia, with an electronegative electroretinogram observed in many cases. These symptoms typically arise in conjunction with underlying malignancies, particularly in the context of small cell lung carcinoma and other genitourinary tumors.
To navigate your care effectively, consider consulting with a specialist in retinal diseases or a neuro-ophthalmologist who has experience with paraneoplastic syndromes. While there are no specific patient organizations for cancer-associated retinopathy, resources like the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) at rarediseases.info.nih.gov may provide valuable information. Additionally, inquire about participation in clinical trials or natural history studies that could contribute to a better understanding of the condition.
Currently, there is one active clinical trial investigating cancer-associated retinopathy. This trial may offer insights into potential treatments or management strategies for the condition. For more information on ongoing research, you can visit the ClinicalTrials.gov search page: https://clinicaltrials.gov/search?cond=cancer-associated%20retinopathy.
Actionable guidance for navigating care for cancer-associated retinopathy
To navigate your care effectively, consider consulting with a specialist in retinal diseases or a neuro-ophthalmologist who has experience with paraneoplastic syndromes. While there are no specific patient organizations for cancer-associated retinopathy, resources like the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) at rarediseases.info.nih.gov may provide valuable information. Additionally, inquire about participation in clinical trials or natural history studies that could contribute to a better understanding of the condition.
Consider asking your healthcare providers these condition-specific questions
Helpful links for rare disease information and support
The limited documentation surrounding cancer-associated retinopathy can be attributed to its rarity and the complexity of its clinical presentation. As a paraneoplastic syndrome, it often overlaps with other conditions and is influenced by the presence of malignancies, which complicates systematic study. Consequently, comprehensive clinical data and genetic insights remain sparse.
Patients with cancer-associated retinopathy often experience significant visual impairment, with symptoms including visual loss, reduced visual acuity, and progressive visual field defects. Commonly reported symptoms also include photophobia and photopsia, with an electronegative electroretinogram observed in many cases. These symptoms typically arise in conjunction with underlying malignancies, particularly in the context of small cell lung carcinoma and other genitourinary tumors.
To navigate your care effectively, consider consulting with a specialist in retinal diseases or a neuro-ophthalmologist who has experience with paraneoplastic syndromes. While there are no specific patient organizations for cancer-associated retinopathy, resources like the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) at rarediseases.info.nih.gov may provide valuable information. Additionally, inquire about participation in clinical trials or natural history studies that could contribute to a better understanding of the condition.
Currently, there is one active clinical trial investigating cancer-associated retinopathy. This trial may offer insights into potential treatments or management strategies for the condition. For more information on ongoing research, you can visit the ClinicalTrials.gov search page: https://clinicaltrials.gov/search?cond=cancer-associated%20retinopathy.
Actionable guidance for navigating care for cancer-associated retinopathy
To navigate your care effectively, consider consulting with a specialist in retinal diseases or a neuro-ophthalmologist who has experience with paraneoplastic syndromes. While there are no specific patient organizations for cancer-associated retinopathy, resources like the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) at rarediseases.info.nih.gov may provide valuable information. Additionally, inquire about participation in clinical trials or natural history studies that could contribute to a better understanding of the condition.
Consider asking your healthcare providers these condition-specific questions
Helpful links for rare disease information and support
Clinical profile data for this condition is not yet available. Phenotype information may still be loading below.
Research studies investigating treatments and therapies for this condition.
Active Trials
Total Trials
Data from ClinicalTrials.gov Jan 7, 2026
Consider asking your healthcare providers these condition-specific questions
European rare disease database
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
AI-Generated Content: This summary was generated using AI. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers for medical guidance.
Organizations with approved therapies for this disease
No approved therapies yet
Research is ongoing — 14 companies have orphan drug designations for this disease
Kisho delivers this disease record via API, including phenotypes (HPO), genes, orphan drug designations, screening status, and PAG mapping, with version history and governance.