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Using Selumetinib for the Treatment of Plexiform Neurofibromas in High-Risk Locations at the Time of Discovery in Children with Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Trial Status: active

This phase II trial studies whether selumetinib can be used to treat plexiform neurofibromas (PN) in high-risk locations at the time they are discovered to prevent the tumor from growing or causing problems in the future in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). One key trait of NF1 is the development of PN which are nerves that have become thick and misshapen due to the abnormal growth of cells and tissues that cover the nerves. PN are a major cause of death, disfigurement, and pain in patients with NF1. The complex shape and slow growth of PN have made them challenging to measure consistently and until recently there was no approved treatment for them. This made screening young patients who had no symptoms inappropriate. However, with improvements in treatment, screening may now be beneficial in these patients so treatment can begin as soon as they are identified. Selumetinib is approved for the treatment of PN that are causing symptoms. Selumetinib may stop the growth of PN cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Giving selumetinib to treat PN in high-risk locations at the time they are discovered may be an effective way to prevent the tumor from growing or causing problems in the future in children with NF1.