MEK inhibitors - novel targeted therapies of neurofibromatosis associated benign and malignant lesions

MAP/ERK kinase 1 and 2 (MEK 1/2) inhibitors (MEKi) are investigated in several trials to treat lesions that arise from pathogenic variants of the Neurofibromatosis type 1 and type 2 genes (NF1, NF2). These trials showed that MEKi are capable to shrink volume of low grade gliomas and plexiform neurofibromas in NF1. Targeting other lesions being associated with a high morbidity in NF1 seems to be promising. Due to involvement of multiple pathways in NF2 associated lesions as well as in malignant tumors, MEKi are also used in combination therapies. This review outlines the current state of MEKi application in neurofibromatosis and associated benign and malignant lesions.