Successful BRAF/MEK inhibition in a patient with BRAFV600E-mutated extrapancreatic acinar cell carcinoma

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Elena Busch - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Simon Kreutzfeldt - , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Abbas Agaimy - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)
  • Gunhild Mechtersheimer - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Peter Horak - , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Benedikt Brors - , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Barbara Hutter - , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Martina Fröhlich - , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Sebastian Uhrig - , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Philipp Mayer - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Evelin Schröck - , Institute of Clinical Genetics, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Albrecht Stenzinger - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Hanno Glimm - , National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (Author)
  • Dirk Jäger - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Christoph Springfeld - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Stefan Fröhling - , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Stefanie Zschäbitz - , Heidelberg University  (Author)

Abstract

Pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma (PAC) is a rare disease with a poor prognosis. Treatment options for metastatic PAC are limited and often follow chemotherapeutic regimens for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Although recurrent genomic alterations, such as BRAF fusions and defects in genes involved in homologous recombination DNA repair, have been described in PAC, data on the clinical efficacy of molecularly guided, targeted treatment are scarce. Here we describe the case of a 27-yr-old patient with BRAFV600E-mutated PAC who was successfully treated with a combination of BRAF and MEK inhibitors. The patient presented to our clinic with abdominal pain and weight loss. Imaging showed extensive retroperitoneal disease as well as mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Because of elevated α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels and inconclusive histologic findings, a germ cell tumor was suspected; however, PEI chemotherapy was unsuccessful. A repeat biopsy yielded the diagnosis of PAC and treatment with FOLFIRINOX was initiated. Comprehensive molecular profiling within the MASTER (Molecularly Aided Stratification for Tumor Eradication Research) precision oncology program revealed a somatic BRAFV600E mutation and a germline PALB2 stop-gain mutation. Therapy was therefore switched to BRAF/MEK inhibition, resulting in almost complete remission and disease control for 12 mo and a remarkable improvement in the patient’s general condition. These results indicate that BRAF alterations are a valid therapeutic target in PAC that should be routinely assessed in this patient population.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article numbera005553
JournalCold Spring Harbor molecular case studies
Volume6
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2020
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 32843432