Targeted Approach to Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) Using MEK Inhibitor, Trametinib

Targeted Approach to Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) Using MEK Inhibitor, Trametinib

The purpose of this Phase II clinical trial is to establish the safety and effectiveness of trametinib, a targeted therapy, for the treatment of newly or recently diagnosed Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) among pediatric patients.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare histiocytic disease derived from the mononuclear phagocytic system, affecting between 2 and 10 cases per one million children under 15 years. Controversy exists as to whether it is a true malignancy or a cancer-like disease, given that the BRAFV600E mutation frequently found in LCH has been found in several cancers as well as in benign nevi. Regardless, among histiocytic disorders, LCH is well-known to result from clonal proliferation of immature cells that can affect a single organ (single system LCH) which may be unifocal or multifocal; or LCH may involve multiple organs which may be limited or widespread. Notably, involvement of specific organs such as the liver, spleen, and bone marrow is typically considered high risk. A biopsy is a critical element for diagnosis as histiocytes with surface expression of CD207 (langerin) and CD1a are a defining characteristic of LCH. In addition to a biopsy of either skin lesion, lymph node, or tumor, standard imaging such as CT, MRI, and PET will be used to assess the extent of disease.

This trial is designed to evaluate treatment of newly diagnosed or relapsed LCH patients with targeted therapy (trametinib). The investigators hypothesize that this will help establish a new treatment for these patients who have historically been treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy that can potentially be associated with serious adverse effects as well as relapse which have typically been noted within two years, therefore justifying the rationale to treat for minimum of two years. This clinical trial will provide an opportunity to assess for adverse events and toxicities associated with trametinib for the treatment of LCH among pediatric patients. Additionally, the investigators will critically analyze the effectiveness of genomic cancer testing through the use of liquid, tumor, and tumor-match next-generation sequencing (NGS) in patients with an LCH diagnosis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis/disease status:

  • Patients with newly diagnosed Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) OR
  • Patients with relapsed or refractory disease OR
  • Patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory disease who are receiving the liquid formula of trametinib OR
  • Patients who have been receiving trametinib as a treatment for LCH since January 1, 2020 may be included in the observational chart review to track long-term follow-up. Eligibility for chart review cohort will include receiving trametinib as treatment.

• Diagnosis confirmed with biopsy prior to start of treatment

• Patient must have adequate cardiac function evident through Echocardiogram (ECHO) and Electrocardiogram (EKG) within 30 days of starting treatment.

  • Shortening fraction of ≥ 27% by echocardiogram or
  • Ejection fraction of ≥ 50% by gated radionuclide study
  • QTC < 480 msec

• Performance status: Patients must have a performance status corresponding to ECOG scores of 0, 1, or 2. Use Karnofsky ≥ 50% for patients > 16 years of age and Lansky ≥50% for patients ≤16 years of age.

• Adequate organ and marrow function as defined below:

  • Absolute Neutrophil count ≥ 1,500/μL

  • Platelets ≥ 100x103/μL

  • Total bilirubin ≤ 1.5X ULN for age

  • AST/ALT ≤ 2.5 X ULN for age

  • Serum creatinine based on age/gender

  • Hemoglobin ≥ 8 g/dL

    • Patients with bone marrow disease must have hemoglobin ≥ 8 g/dL with transfusion support allowed

• Women of childbearing potential and men must agree to use adequate contraception (hormonal or barrier method of birth control; abstinence) prior to study entry, for the duration of study participation, and for 4 months after the last dose. Should a woman become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while participating in this study, she should inform her treating physician immediately.

• Ability to understand study procedures and to comply with them for the entire length of the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients diagnosed with Low-Risk True Skin Only or a Single Bone lesion that does not require treatment and will only be observed will not be eligible, with the exception of CNS-risk lesions/special site disease or functionally critical lesions:

  • CNS-risk/special site includes: Sphenoid, Mastoid, Orbital, zygomatic, ethmoid, maxillary, or temporal bones, the cranial fossa, pituitary gland or neurodegenerative disease, odontoid peg, vertebral lesion with intraspinal soft tissue extension
  • Functionally critical: A single lesion not described above which may cause "functionally critical anatomic abnormality" wherein attempts at local therapy would cause unacceptable morbidity. This can be at the discretion of the Principal Investigator.

• Patients whose genetic testing reveals a class 3 MAP2K1 mutation:

  • I103_K104del
  • E102_I103del
  • L98_K104delinsQ
  • L98_I103del
  • I99_K104del

• Patients who present with jaundice at diagnosis.

• Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not eligible. Women of childbearing potential must receive a negative pregnancy test within 14 days of starting treatment or the patient will not be eligible.

  • Patients who are allergic to trametinib
  • Current drug or alcohol use or dependence that, in the opinion of the site investigator, would interfere with adherence to study requirements.

• Inability or unwillingness of patient or parent/legally authorized representative to give written informed consent.