Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Following Dabrafenib and Trametinib for Stage 3c Locally Advanced Inoperable Melanoma: A Case Report

Severe cutaneous manifestations are commonly seen in drug hypersensitivity reactions these can further progress and deteriorate into generalized exanthematous pustulosis, Steven-Johnsons syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) which are classified as emergencies and require hospitalisation1. Whilst drugs such as allopurinol, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, nevirapine, oxicam, phenobarbital, phenytoin, sulfamethocazole and other sulpha antibiotics are known to be high risk for causing SJS and TEN [1], there is little data available describing a direct link of dabrafenib (BRAF kinase inhibitor) and trametinib (selective reversible allosteric MEK1 and MEK2 inhibitor) and SJS or TEN. This case reports explore meta-analysis of the reported cases skin side effects of BRAF inhibitors and the mechanisms which may cause it. We explore too the contribution of prior immunotherapy may have made to this adverse skin side effects. Here we see a complete response to melanoma while on the biologic’s tablets.

Our case describes a female patient in her early fifties with locally advanced inoperable right pinna and pre-auricular melanoma with associated lymph nodes. She has moderate volume measurable pigmented disease, which recurred very soon after surgery with a nonhealing pigmented wound (Figure 1). At the beginning of the 2020 the patient underwent a right total conservative parotidectomy, complete pinnectomy, right neck dissection followed by adjuvant pembrolizumab with curative intent but after one month presented in clinic with new neck lumps. PETCT confirmed local right neck nodes and pre-auricular recurrence. She was switched to palliative doublet immunotherapy with Nivolumab & Ipilimumab in June. Unfortunately, our patient suffered side effects, developing grade 3 hepatitis and hypoadrenalism (G3) as well as thyroid dysfunction (G2). The decision was made to switch to Nivolumab only and start Dabrafenib and Trametinib at the beginning of September 2020.

At the time of starting Dabrafenib and Trametinib the hepatitis had resolved, and endocrine issues were well controlled with hydrocortisone and levothyroxine. Further surgery had been considered prior to starting Dabrafenib and Trametinib but unfortunately her melanoma had started to fungate (Figure 2). Eleven days after starting Dabrafenib and Trametinib the paramedics were called out to see the patient at home. They reported swollen lips, extreme vomiting, shortness of breath and temperature of 40 degrees Celsius. The patient was brought to A&E for possible anaphylaxis. The patient was stabilised in A&E and reviewed by Dermatology. At this time the patient had a widespread maculopapular rash across her body, vesicular eruptions over the right side of face, neck, chin, shoulders, as well as oedema over her lips, tongue, ears, face and neck. She was Nicholsky sign positive with evidence of desquamation (Figure 3). A diagnosis of Toxic epidermal necrolysis was made, and the patient was transferred to ITU for pain management, tight fluid balance and intensive wound management. Whilst on ITU she did not require any inotropic support or ventilatory support. She was treated for suspected sepsis with multiple antibiotics which were later rationalised to vancomycin alone. The patient was able to be stepped down to an oncology ward and stayed 2 weeks for need of intravenous hydration and regular specialist nursing application of her topical creams and balms (Figure 4) and later discharged home.

Figure 1: Early starting of progression of Melanoma, as seen with painful scar, and pigmented scar. Neck tension is stiff, and early signs of primary preauricular lump returning.

Figure 2: Fungating neck cervical lymph node, and pre-auricular primary Melanoma recurrence as seen as purple hue mass in front of ear. Cotton wool bud in ear to help with the discharge from growing mass lesion. Pain in ear needing strong analgesia.

Figure 3: Toxic epidermal necrolysis, day of admission to Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Rash on left abdomen at initial presentation, and bullous on day 2, and day 3. Systemic shock, needing fluid resuscitation, and urgent skin biopsy, and review as dermatology emergency. Fortunately, no inotrope infusion required in 2 day stay in ICU.

Figure 4: As she recovered and came out of Intensive Care Unit, patient had 2 weeks in hospital for skin care by Dermatology as in patient, with creams (5 times a day application) and IV hydrations. The systemic steroid injections weakened her proximal muscle, and physiotherapy service was given to strengthen her core muscles.

IGNg ELISpot and lymphocyte proliferation testing was done by the Dermatology Team. They concluded that whilst there were no positive signals for any drugs tested in either assay, the patient had been exposed to significant amount of steroid at the time of testing and check-point inhibitors e.g. pembrolizumab and nivolumab, cause TEN-like eruptions via different mechanisms than direct T cell-drug/MHC recognition, therefore the causative agent in our patient is most likely to be a check-point inhibitor. The incisional skin biopsy from left arm on microscopic examination showed sections of skin with subepidermal bulla formation with overlying partial and full-thickness necrosis of the epidermis (Figure 5). At the edge of the blister cavity there are occasional single necrotic keratinocytes. Parts of the blister should re-epithelialisation. The papillary dermis showed oedema with occasional junctional clefting, and mild mixed inflammatory infiltrate. There was no evidence of granuloma formations, vasculitis or panniculitis. PAS staining was negative for fungal organisms. The histopathologists concluded the overall appearances were most compatible with toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Figure 5: Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Skin biopsy section showing a sub epidermal bulla with epidermal necrosis and mixed inflammatory infiltrates, Haematoxylin and Eosin stain (magnification x 20).

Global medical information was sought and according to EU risk management plan, there have been no case of SJS or TEN reported with dabrafenib treatment. However, it is well documented in the literature that the BRAF inhibitor Vemurafenib can cause severe cutaneous reactions, including SJS. Skin biopsy on our patient showed subepidermal bulla formation with overlying partial and full thickness necrosis of the epidermis. At the edge of the blister cavity there are occasional single necrotic keratinocytes. The papillary dermis shows oedema with occasional junctional clefting, and mild mixed inflammatory infiltrate. Overall appearances are most compatible with toxic epidermal necrolysis. IFNg ELISpot test was requested on these drugs following Mrs DH case. Dabrafenib, trametinib, Omeprazole, Encorafenib, Vemurafenib, Binimetinib with positive and negative control. ELISPOT Assay is used to measure peptide specific IFN-gamma production which is crucial against intracellular pathogens and for tumour control. Lymphocyte proliferation is also looked at on each of these drugs.
There were no positive signals for any of the drugs tested in either of the assays. With these caveats-the test does not exclude hypersensitivity but makes the probability of them as causal less likely for TENS. However, the sensitivity of this test could be reduced as patient has been desensitize with steroid and antihistamine prior to this test been done. Melanomas are aggressive skin cancers with a median survival of between six and nine months in patients with metastatic disease prior to introduction of immunotherapies and newer small molecules. Debrafenib and trematenib are selective BRAF and MEK inhibitors that have been shown to improve the survival of patients with BRAF‐mutated metastatic melanomas. They are administered until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs [2]. This mutation has been identified in over 50 percent of malignant melanomas [3]. The patient in this case was taking omeprazole, Debrafenab and trematinib at the time of developing Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).
Grade I-II cutaneous adverse events (such as photosensitivity, itching and rash) are commonly seen with BRAF inhibitor use (up to 64% of the patients), but severe reactions to therapy such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/ TEN) are uncommon. Vemurafenib-induced severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARS) and SJS/TEN are more common; desensitization and treatment with a lower dose of vemurafenib and switching to an alternate BRAF inhibitor have been used to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Interestingly, cutaneous adverse events are less common with BRAF/MEKi combinations such as Dabrafenib-Trametinib, Encorafenib-Binimetinib or even Vemurafenib-Cobimetinib when compared to vemurafenib alone. There is however a high frequency of occurrence of targeted therapy SCARs in previously immunotherapy-treated patients (45.2% of the patients) [4,5]. The patient in this case has had previous immunotherapy prior to Debrafenib-Trametinib therapy.
The mechanisms of this immune related dermatologic adverse events (irAE) are not fully understood. However, it is clearly related to T cell activation mediated by inhibiting the PD‐1/PD‐L1 and CTLA‐4 pathway. As the PD‐1 blockade augments T‐helper cell 1(Th1)/Th17 signaling pathway it could promote pro-inflammatory cytokines mediated by Th17 lymphocytes [5]. Patients who develop TEN while on BRAF/MEKi will benefit from high dose steroids and possibly intravenous immunoglobulins though this data is controversial. In severe cases or steroid unresponsive cases systemic treatments with ciclosporin or anti-TNF therapies may be considered [5]. After full recovery an alternative BRAF/ MEKi may be considered if appropriate. Since BRAF/MEKi therapy has become a standard treatment for advanced BRAF mutated malignant melanomas, clinicians need to be vigilant for early onset Toxic epidermal necrolysis. Of the 3 available BRAF/MEKi combination; Vemurafenib-Cobimetinib (Roche) having the highest skin toxicities (78%), and Dabrafenib-Trametinib with 58% skin toxicities, and Encorafenib-Binimetinib with the least recorded incidence 24%.

The possibility of check point inhibitor prior to BRAF/MEKinhibitor blockade as a cause is high likely a causality of TENs. This is due to alternative mechanism than direct T -cell-drug/MHC recognition. In her case, the earlier exposure to immunotherapy and later targeted therapy could have exacerbate the adverse effect.

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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