MEK inhibitors for the treatment of extracranial arteriovenous malformations

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are serious congenital vascular anomalies in which the arteries connect directly with veins without capillaries. This condition will continue to worsen without proper intervention and cause ulcers, repeated hemorrhages, and even cardiac insufficiency. Primary treatment options for AVMs include surgery and interventional treatment; however, they are associated with high risk and recurrence rates. Recent studies revealed that excessive activation of the Ras/MAPK pathway can induce the formation and development of peripheral AVM, whereas MEK inhibitors can effectively control nidus progression, making them a potential novel treatment for AVM. This review provides an up-to-date overview of correlated laboratory and clinical research to provide information for further research and clinical practice.