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Extensive vitiligo associated to response to c-kit inhibitor in metastatic mucosal melanoma
Laura Pala1, Fabio Conforti, Emilia Cocorocchio
1Division of Medical Oncology of Melanoma, Sarcoma and Rare tumors, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
Mucosal melanoma is rare and accounts for 1.3-1.4% of all melanomas. Kit mutations are found in approximately 15-20% of mucosal melanomas. Immunotherapy with anti cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 and antiprogrammed cell death protein 1 have reported low clinical efficacy in this melanoma subtype. Studies with Kit inhibitor Imatinib showed response rates ranging from 20 to 30%. We present the case of a patient with a c-kit mutated metastatic melanoma who developed autoimmune vitiligo during treatment with oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor Masitinib.
Insights
This study details a metastatic melanoma patient with a c-kit mutation who developed vitiligo while on Masitinib. This tyrosine kinase inhibitor shows potential in treating this rare melanoma subtype.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Genetics
Background:
- Mucosal melanoma is a rare subtype, representing 1.3-1.4% of all melanomas.
- Approximately 15-20% of mucosal melanomas harbor Kit mutations.
- Current immunotherapies (anti-CTLA-4, anti-PD-1) show limited efficacy for this subtype.
Observation:
- A patient with metastatic c-kit mutated melanoma was treated with the oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor Masitinib.
- The patient developed autoimmune vitiligo during the course of Masitinib treatment.
Findings:
- Masitinib, a Kit inhibitor, demonstrated response rates of 20-30% in prior studies.
- The development of vitiligo suggests potential immune-related adverse events or on-target effects of Masitinib.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential therapeutic role of Masitinib in c-kit mutated mucosal melanoma.
- The occurrence of vitiligo may serve as a potential biomarker for treatment response.
- Further investigation into Masitinib and other Kit inhibitors is warranted for this challenging melanoma subtype.
