Peripheral neuropathies induced by BRAF+MEK inhibitor combinations: a real-world study based on FAERS database 2011-2022.

BACKGROUND

BRAF/MEK inhibitors (BRAFi+MEKi) like may cause peripheral neuropathies (PN). This study analyzes FAERS data to assess PN signals across BRAFi+MEKi combinations.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND

METHODS

Disproportionality analysis was conducted to quantify the signals of BRAFi+MEKi-associated PN on FAERS database from January 2011 to December 2022. Additionally, we examined the onset times and prognosis of BRAFi+MEKi-associated PN.

RESULTS

A total of 268 reports of BRAFi+MEKi-associated PN were identified in the study, with a median age range of 60.00 to 69.00 years. All three combination therapies exhibited positive signals for PN, and notably, Encorafenib and Binimetinib (E+B) displayed the strongest association with PN (ROR 3.05[2.47,3.76], IC1.57[1.26]). The associations between PN and different BRAFi+MEKi combinations remained persisted in the gender and age stratification analysis, with all three combination therapies showing an elevated number of disproportionality signals in males compared to females.

CONCLUSION

According to our findings, BRAFi+MEKi-associated PN tends to occur several months after initiation and may lead to serious outcomes. Male sex is more likely to be a risk factor associated with PN. Prompt identification and intervention for BRAFi+MEKi-associated PN are crucial, and additional fundamental research is required to validate the underlying mechanism as observed in our study.