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

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.