Open AccessRAF and MEK inhibitor therapy in adult patients with brain tumors: a case-based overview and practical management of adverse events
Author(s) -
Karisa C. Schreck,
Mallika Patel,
Jan Wemmer,
Stuart A. Grossman,
Katherine B. Peters
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
neuro-oncology practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.666
H-Index - 14
eISSN - 2054-2585
pISSN - 2054-2577
DOI - 10.1093/nop/npaa006
Subject(s) - medicine , glioma , targeted therapy , oncology , adverse effect , clinical trial , mek inhibitor , mutation , cancer research , cancer , mapk/erk pathway , biology , gene , biochemistry , kinase , microbiology and biotechnology
Targeted therapy has gained mainstream attention with notable successes against specific genetic mutations in many cancers. One particular mutation, the BRAF V600E mutation, is present in a small subset of gliomas in adults. Although clinical experience and trial data of RAF-targeted therapy in adults with glioma are lacking at this time, the poor prognosis of adult high-grade glioma has led neuro-oncology practitioners to consider the use of targeted therapy in these patients. In this manuscript, we describe the use of RAF and MEK inhibitors in adults with recurrent glioma. We discuss the utility of these agents, describe their toxicities, and give examples of management strategies. Given the significant toxicities of RAF and MEK inhibitors, along with the long potential duration of treatment, neuro-oncology providers should counsel patients carefully before initiating therapy and monitor them closely while undergoing treatment with RAF-targeted therapy.