Effects of MEK-inhibitor treatment in infants with lymphatic abnormalities in noonan syndrome - Report - MDSpire

Effects of MEK-inhibitor treatment in infants with lymphatic abnormalities in noonan syndrome

  • By

  • J. Wagenpfeil

  • K. Hoß

  • A. Henkel

  • D. L. Kütting

  • J. A. Luetkens

  • A. Mueller

  • C. C. Pieper

  • A. Groteklaes

  • July 15, 2026

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Clinical Report: Impact of MEK-inhibitor Therapy on Lymphatic Abnormalities in Infants Diagnosed with Noonan Syndrome

Overview

This study evaluates the effects of MEK inhibitor Trametinib on lymphatic abnormalities in infants with Noonan syndrome. After one year of treatment, clinical improvements were observed, although imaging showed limited anatomical changes.

Background

Noonan syndrome (NS) is a genetic disorder that often presents with lymphatic complications, leading to clinical issues such as chylous effusions. Current treatment options for these lymphatic manifestations are limited, making the exploration of targeted therapies like MEK inhibitors important. This study aims to assess the efficacy of Trametinib in managing lymphatic disease in infants with NS.

Data Highlights

ParameterBaseline1-Year Follow-Up
Clinical ImprovementAll patientsAll patients
Chest Drainage RequiredAll patientsNone
Residual FluidAll patients3 with none, 3 with minimal
Lymphatic Perfusion Rating (Median)31

Key Findings

  • Six infants with genetically confirmed Noonan syndrome were treated with Trametinib.
  • All patients showed clinical improvement after one year of therapy.
  • No patients required chest drainage during the follow-up period.
  • MR lymphangiography indicated a decrease in pleural effusions in all cases.
  • Lymphatic imaging did not show normalization of lymphatic anatomy or flow.

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate that Trametinib may be a treatment option for infants with Noonan syndrome experiencing lymphatic abnormalities. However, the lack of normalization in lymphatic anatomy highlights the need for further evaluation.

Conclusion

Trametinib therapy resulted in clinical improvements in infants with lymphatic abnormalities associated with Noonan syndrome, although imaging showed limited anatomical changes over one year.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Journal of Neuro-Oncology, Endocrine Implications of BRAF and MEK Inhibitor Treatment in Pediatric Patients: Insights from a Tertiary Care Center, 2024
  2. Blood Cancer Journal, Peripheral blood cells from children with RASopathies show enhanced spontaneous colonies growth in vitro and hyperactive RAS signaling, 2015
  3. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, NOC2L, a New LZTR1 Interactor, Influences the Pathogenesis of Noonan Syndrome by Disrupting P53 Signaling, 2023
  4. The ASCO Post, Recent FDA Approvals in Lymphoma and in Rarer Tumors, 2025
  5. Clinical consensus guidelines for the management of Noonan syndrome in Japan, 2026
  6. Targeted Therapy for Complex Lymphatic Anomalies in Patients with Noonan Syndrome and Related Disorders, 2025
  7. Classification | International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies
  8. Clinical consensus guidelines for the management of Noonan syndrome in Japan
  9. Targeted Therapy for Complex Lymphatic Anomalies in Patients with Noonan Syndrome and Related Disorders

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