Targeted Therapy in Pediatric Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: Describing a Novel Strategy to Minimize Long-Term Exposure While Maintaining Efficacy

Abstract

Background

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare malignancy driven by MAPK pathway activation and often involves BRAF V600E mutations. Targeted therapy with trametinib, a MEK inhibitor, is a promising alternative to conventional chemotherapy.

Procedure

We retrospectively analyzed the records of patients treated with trametinib either at relapse or as front-line therapy between 2020 and 2024.

Results

Fifteen pediatric patients received trametinib either at diagnosis (n = 6), relapse (n = 7), or due to chemotherapy intolerance (n = 2). Molecular testing identified MAPK pathway mutations in 11 patients. The median age at treatment initiation was 5 years (range: 0.1–16.5). Notably, five of these patients started trametinib before the age of 1. The median treatment duration was 2.2 years (range: 0.1–4.7 years). All 15 patients achieved favorable responses without concerns regarding growth and development. The adverse effects included rash (40%) and diarrhea (13%), which were all mild and were managed with temporary dose adjustments. A self-weaning dosing strategy minimized long-term exposure while maintaining disease control.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that trametinib is a safe and effective therapy for pediatric LCH with broad efficacy and tolerability. However, prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and refine targeted treatment protocols.