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Updated: Jan 18, 2026
08:35
Inducible and Reversible Dominant-negative DN Protein Inhibition
Published on: January 7, 2019
8.7K
Doxycycline Prophylaxis in Adolescent Patients Treated With MEK Inhibitors.
Faith Cormier1, Irene Lara-Corrales1, Rebecca Levy1
1The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Pediatric Dermatology
|May 29, 2025
Summary
Doxycycline prophylaxis did not significantly reduce acneiform eruptions in young patients on mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors (MEKi). However, it was linked to fewer treatment discontinuations and less paronychia.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors (MEKi) are crucial in treating plexiform neurofibromas, brain tumors, and cancers.
- Acneiform eruptions and paronychia are common, dose-limiting toxicities associated with MEKi therapy.
- Preventive strategies for MEKi-induced skin toxicities are needed to improve patient adherence and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of doxycycline prophylaxis in mitigating acneiform eruptions and paronychia in pediatric patients receiving MEKi.
- To assess the impact of doxycycline on MEKi treatment discontinuation rates due to skin toxicities.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 43 patients (aged 12-18 years) treated with MEKi between 2010 and 2023.
- Data collected on the incidence and severity of acneiform eruptions (CTCAE grading) and paronychia.
- Comparison of outcomes between patients receiving doxycycline prophylaxis and those who did not.
Main Results:
- Doxycycline prophylaxis did not significantly alter the frequency or severity of acneiform eruptions.
- A trend towards fewer MEKi discontinuations due to skin toxicities was observed in the doxycycline group.
- Doxycycline prophylaxis was associated with a statistically significant decrease in the rates of paronychia.
Conclusions:
- Doxycycline may not be effective in preventing MEKi-induced acneiform eruptions but could help manage paronychia.
- Prophylactic doxycycline might reduce treatment interruptions, potentially improving therapeutic efficacy.
- Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings and optimize supportive care for MEKi therapy.
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