Prospective Case Series of Cutaneous Adverse Effects Associated With Dabrafenib and Trametinib

Dabrafenib, a novel selective small-molecule inhibitor of BRAF, has been shown to increase overall survival in patients with unresectable metastatic melanoma harboring the BRAF V600E mutation. The development of resistance has led to combination therapy with selective MEK inhibitor trametinib. Compared with vemurafenib, dabrafenib is a more recent BRAF inhibitor approved by the Food and Drug Administration in May 2013 for metastatic melanoma; fewer data are available in the current literature regarding cutaneous toxicity.

We sought to present additional cutaneous side effects of dabrafenib and trametinib and follow their evolution and management.

We carried out a prospective study of 14 patients treated with dabrafenib alone or with trametinib. Patients were followed every 4 weeks, and we collected detailed cutaneous symptoms, photos, and biopsy specimens.

All patients presented with at least 1 adverse skin reaction. The mean duration of treatment was 24 weeks. The most common adverse effect was papillomas (7/14), followed by palmoplantar hyperkeratosis (5/14), alopecia (5/14), and seborrheic dermatitis-like eruption (2/14). Three patients who received trametinib developed an acneiform eruption (3/5). One patient developed a keratoacanthoma-like squamous cell carcinoma. Side effects presented as early as 2 weeks after starting therapy, with a mean time of onset of 9 weeks.

Selective BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib and MEK inhibitor trametinib are associated with multiple skin adverse effects. Given their recent approval and the potential for malignant lesions to develop on treatment, awareness of potential adverse effects and their management is necessary.