Introduction: The introduction of BRAF/MEK inhibitors has significantly improved overall survival of patients with BRAF V600-mutant advanced or metastatic melanoma. Most patients treated with BRAF/MEK inhibitors will experience adverse events during the course of their treatment. Kidney impairment, however, was rarely reported in the pivotal trials. To date, there are only three cases of biopsy-proven acute interstitial nephritis associated with dabrafenib and trametinib reported in the literature.
Case report: A 50-year-old man diagnosed with metastatic melanoma was hospitalized in August 2021, 5 months after treatment initiation with dabrafenib and trametinib. He presented with acute kidney injury, with serum creatinine of 3.34 mg/dL and eGFR of 20.3 mL/min/m². Kidney biopsy revealed acute interstitial nephritis.
Management & outcome: He was treated with methylprednisolone 16 mg qd, and both dabrafenib and trametinib were permanently discontinued, with recuperation of his kidney function. Another BRAF/MEK inhibitor combination, encorafenib and binimetinib, was introduced, with preserved kidney function and excellent disease control.
Discussion: We report the first case of biopsy-proven interstitial nephritis in a patient treated with dabrafenib and trametinib, with successful introduction of another BRAF/MEK inhibitor combination. Although rare, clinicians should be aware of the risk of renal adverse events associated with BRAF/MEK inhibitors. Renal biopsy is mandatory in the absence of a clear explanation or rapid recovery of renal failure. In case of proven interstitial nephritis, corticosteroids should be initiated. Switching to another BRAF/MEK inhibitor combination can be considered for patients with complete recovery of renal function and limited treatment options.
Keywords: adverse events; dabrafenib; interstitial nephritis; melanoma; toxicity; trametinib.