Intravitreal methotrexate in vemurafenib-induced uveitis

PURPOSE

Vemurafenib, a BRAF inhibitor, has revolutionized the prognosis of late-stage melanoma patients, rising at the same time concerns about its potential adverse effects. Here is a case of vemurafenib-induced uveitis, peculiar in both its presentation and management.

METHODS

Case report, diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

RESULTS

Uveitis is a known side effect of vemurafenib. It is generally bilateral, moderate, manageable with topical steroids and does not require cancer therapy cessation. We present a patient who suffered from a unilateral, severe uveitis following vemurafenib treatment that fully recovered thanks to intravitreal methotrexate injections, as conventional corticosteroid therapy was contraindicated.

CONCLUSION

Uveitis can be a serious ocular adverse effect of vemurafenib, while its risks factors and mechanisms remain unknown. As BRAF inhibitors are now used on a regular basis, it is important for clinicians to be aware of this potentially sight-threatening side effect. Intravitreal methotrexate injections may be considered as an effective treatment choice in severe targeted agents-induced uveitis.

Checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of brain metastases of non-small-cell lung cancer and melanoma

Brain metastases (BMs) are representing a new challenge for the oncologist; their incidence is increasing due to the better overall survival and systemic disease control in many malignancies, consequent to new potent cytotoxic and targeted therapies. In the era of immunotherapies, checkpoint inhibitors are representing a new therapeutic option in different solid tumors and settings; preliminary results showed potential activity of these agents in patients with BM, when administered as single agent or in combination with radiation therapy. After presenting the arguments in favor of this new strategy, we reported the preliminary results of the trials evaluating these agents in BM, we described the ongoing trials and we discussed the potential role of these agents in the BM treatment.

Phase I study of pulsatile 3-day administration of afatinib (BIBW 2992) in combination with docetaxel in advanced solid tumors

BACKGROUND

A phase I study to assess the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of a short course of afatinib in combination with docetaxel for the treatment of solid tumors.

METHODS

Patients with advanced solid malignancies received docetaxel 75 mg/m(2) intravenously on day 1 and oral afatinib once daily on days 2-4, in 3-week treatment cycles. The afatinib dose was escalated in successive cohorts of 3-6 patients until dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). The MTD cohort was expanded to 13 patients. Pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed.

RESULTS

Forty patients were treated. Afatinib doses were escalated to 160 mg/day in combination with 75 mg/m(2) docetaxel. Three patients had drug-related DLTs during cycle 1. The MTD was defined as 90 mg/day afatinib (days 2-4) with docetaxel 75 mg/m(2). The most frequent drug-related adverse events (all grades) were alopecia, diarrhea, stomatitis (all 50 %) and rash (40 %, all grade ≤ 2). Three patients had confirmed responses, two patients had unconfirmed responses and nine patients had durable stable disease >6 cycles. No pharmacokinetic interaction was observed.

CONCLUSION

Afatinib 90 mg administered for 3 days after docetaxel 75 mg/m(2) is the MTD for this treatment schedule and the recommended phase II/phase III dose. This combination showed anti-tumor activity in phase I, with a manageable adverse-event profile.