Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
12:37

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model

Published on: September 7, 2013

Cutaneous Adverse Events in Children Receiving Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway Inhibitors

Yuong Chin Tan1, Santosh Valvi2, Nicholas G Gottardo2

  • 1Department of Paediatric Dermatology, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.

The Australasian Journal of Dermatology
|August 7, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors (MAPKi) commonly cause skin issues in children. Early skin care and assessment can reduce side effects and improve treatment tolerance.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Dermatology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors (MAPKi) are vital targeted therapies for pediatric cancers.
  • Cutaneous toxicities like xerosis, dermatitis, and infections are frequent side effects of MAPKi treatment.
  • These skin toxicities can lead to significant patient morbidity and treatment interruptions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence, spectrum, and predisposing factors of cutaneous adverse events (AE) in children treated with MAPKi.
  • To document management strategies for MAPKi-associated skin toxicities.
  • To propose practical skin care recommendations for caregivers to improve treatment tolerability.

Main Methods:

  • An 18-month ambispective observational cohort study.
  • Inclusion of 24 consecutive pediatric patients receiving MAPKi at a tertiary center.
  • Prospective follow-up with retrospective data collection for ongoing therapies.

Main Results:

  • A high incidence of cutaneous AE was observed, with 87.5% of patients developing at least one.
  • Common AEs included xerosis, dermatitis, hair changes, paronychia, and pustular skin infections.
  • Most events were low-grade (CTCAE grade 1-2), but some necessitated dose modification or treatment interruption.

Conclusions:

  • Early dermatologic assessment is crucial for managing MAPKi-associated skin toxicities.
  • Proactive management strategies and caregiver-directed skin care recommendations can reduce morbidity.
  • Implementing these recommendations at treatment initiation can improve patient outcomes and treatment adherence.
Keywords:
MAPK inhibitorsMEK inhibitorscutaneous toxicityneural tumourspaediatric

Related Concept Videos

Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
MAPK Signaling Cascades01:07

MAPK Signaling Cascades

Mitogen-activated protein kinase, or MAPK pathway, activates three sequential kinases to regulate cellular responses such as proliferation, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis. The canonical MAPK pathway starts with a mitogen or growth factor binding to an RTK. The activated RTKs stimulate Ras, which recruits Raf or MAP3 Kinase (MAPKKK), the first kinase of the MAPK signaling cascade. Raf further phosphorylates and activates MEK or MAP2 Kinases (MAPKK), which in turn phosphorylates MAP...
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle02:38

Mitogens and the Cell Cycle

Mitogens and their receptors play a crucial role in controlling the progression of the cell cycle. However, the loss of mitogenic control over cell division leads to tumor formation. Therefore, mitogens and mitogen receptors play an important role in cancer research. For instance, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) - a type of mitogen and its transmembrane receptor (EGFR), decides the fate of the cell's proliferation. When EGF binds to EGFR, a member of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase...
Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells01:19

Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells

Epidermal stem cells (EpiSCs) are mainly located at the basal layer of the epidermis. These cells repair minor injuries of the skin and replace dead skin cells. However, EpiSCs’ cannot heal severe wounds such as major burns or those from diabetes or hereditary disorders. In such cases, culturing the epidermal stem cells from the patient is possible and has yielded successful treatment options, such as laboratory-grown skin grafts. These grafts are synthesized using a patient’s own EpiSCs...