Background: Selumetinib is the first approved treatment for pediatric patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and symptomatic, inoperable plexiform neurofibromas (PN) in the EU and US, as well as in multiple other countries. Evidence for the management of selumetinib-associated adverse events (AEs) is mostly limited to clinical trials and expanded-access programs. We gathered a panel of European healthcare practitioners with clinical experience prescribing selumetinib and/or managing pediatric patients with NF1-PN to provide recommendations on the prevention and management of AEs.
Methods: A modified Delphi approach was used to develop the recommendations among the group of experts. Initial statements were developed from a literature review of current management recommendations and regulatory reports. The panel refined the statements and rated the extent to which they agreed with them in 2 sessions and a follow-up survey. The panel comprised 2 pediatric neuro-oncologists, 1 pediatric oncologist, 1 pediatrician, 1 neuropediatrician, 1 oncologist, 1 neurologist, 2 psychologists, and 1 dermatologist.
Results: The experts agreed on the relative frequency and impact of AEs potentially associated with selumetinib. Consensus-level agreement was reached for 36 statements regarding the prevention and management of AEs potentially associated with selumetinib. Experts recommended treatments for AEs based on their experience.
Conclusions: The development of a variety of consensus statements indicates expert agreement on best practices for the prevention and management of AEs potentially associated with selumetinib in pediatric patients with NF1-PN. These events are generally manageable and should be considered alongside treatment benefit. Information sharing is warranted as further experience is gained.
Keywords: adverse event management; neurofibromatosis type 1; pediatric; plexiform neurofibromas; selumetinib.
© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Neuro-Oncology and the European Association of Neuro-Oncology.