Ocular Safety and Visual Acuity Stability in Pediatric Patients With Optic Pathway Gliomas and Orbital Plexiform Neurofibromas Treated With BRAF and MEK Inhibitors.

BACKGROUND

BRAF and MEK inhibitors targeting the RAS/MAPK pathway are increasingly used in pediatric oncology, particularly for gliomas and neurofibromatosis type 1-associated plexiform neurofibromas (PN). While ocular adverse events (OAE), such as uveitis and MEK inhibitor-associated retinopathy (MEKAR), are well documented in adults, pediatric data remain limited, as are data regarding the effect on visual acuity (VA) in optic pathway gliomas (OPG) and orbital plexiform neurofibromas (OPN).

METHODS

This retrospective study reviewed pediatric patients treated with BRAF and/or MEK inhibitors (years 2015-2024). Ophthalmologic assessments, including VA and optical coherence tomography (OCT), were conducted at baseline and follow-up. Patients were categorized based on optic pathway involvement (OPG/OPN vs. non-OPG/OPN).

RESULTS

Among 62 patients (120 eyes), OAE occurred in 3 (4.8%): 1/29 in the OPG/OPN group and 2/33 in the non-OPG/OPN group. All were reversible with dose adjustment or discontinuation. In the OPG/OPN group, VA data were available for 35 eyes, with stability in 74% (26/35), improvement in 17% (6/35), and a decline in 9% (3/35). In the non-OPG/OPN group (57 eyes), VA remained stable in 91% (52/57). Optic disc appearance, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, and macular thickness remained stable over a 22-month median follow-up in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

BRAF and MEK inhibitors demonstrate ocular safety in children, including those with OPG/OPN, with rare, reversible OAE and stable VA. These findings support their use in pediatric patients even with optic pathway involvement. Regular ophthalmologic monitoring with OCT and VA assessments remains essential for safe, long-term use.