Adverse cutaneous effects of mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors in children

Pediatr Dermatol. 2021 Mar;38(2):420-423. doi: 10.1111/pde.14354. Epub 2020 Dec 27.

Abstract

Background: Mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors (MEKi) are currently used for the treatment of central nervous system tumors in children and have shown promising results. Cutaneous adverse effects are among the most common toxicities described in adults, but few studies exist in pediatric patients.

Objective: We aimed to describe the cutaneous adverse effects associated with MEKi in pediatric patients.

Methods: A retrospective study was carried out at our pediatric hospital in Barcelona, Spain, in patients undergoing treatment with MEKi.

Results: Sixty-one children between 1 and 18 years of age were included. All patients developed cutaneous toxicity. Eczema, hair abnormalities, oral aphthae, and paronychia were among the most common cutaneous side effects.

Conclusions: Recognizing skin toxicity in pediatric patients under treatment with MEKi is essential to establishing appropriate education and therapy, thereby improving treatment tolerability and minimizing avoidable interruptions in treatment.

Keywords: MEK inhibitor; adverse effects; children; skin.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Humans
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors* / adverse effects
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Skin*
  • Spain

Substances

  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases