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Chemical-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis Model Using Dimethylbenz[a]Anthracene and 12-O-Tetradecanoyl Phorbol-13-Acetate DMBA-TPA
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Acneiform eruptions: a common cutaneous toxicity of the MEK inhibitor trametinib

Rachael Anforth1, Michael Liu, Bao Nguyen

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

The Australasian Journal of Dermatology
|December 10, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The MEK inhibitor trametinib can cause acneiform eruptions in metastatic melanoma patients. Combining trametinib with dabrafenib significantly reduces the occurrence of these side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Dermatology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Trametinib, a MEK inhibitor, is used for metastatic melanoma.
  • Acneiform eruptions are a common side effect of trametinib monotherapy.
  • Combination therapy with dabrafenib may reduce trametinib-induced acneiform eruptions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of acneiform eruptions in patients receiving trametinib alone versus in combination with dabrafenib.
  • To assess the impact of combination therapy on the incidence of drug-induced skin reactions.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of clinical trial patient files.
  • Analysis of patients receiving trametinib monotherapy (n=13) and trametinib plus dabrafenib combination therapy (n=30).
  • Documentation of acneiform eruption development and management.

Main Results:

  • 77% of patients on trametinib monotherapy developed acneiform eruptions.
  • Only 10% of patients on combination therapy developed acneiform lesions.
  • Acneiform eruptions responded to antibiotics and antiseptic washes but recurred upon cessation of treatment while continuing trametinib.

Conclusions:

  • Trametinib monotherapy is associated with a high incidence of acneiform eruptions.
  • Combination therapy with dabrafenib significantly decreases the frequency of these eruptions.
  • Management of trametinib-induced acneiform eruptions requires ongoing treatment as long as the drug is administered.
Keywords:
BRAF inhibitorMEK inhibitoracneiform eruptiondabrafenibmelanomatrametinib

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