Neurofibromatosis treatment with targeted therapy

Multiple nervous system tumors and other signs characterize many neurofibromatosis cases. However, many patients can't be offered traditional methods (surgery or radiation therapy) due to the risk of complications. In such cases, targeted drugs are of particular value. Targeted treatment for neurofibromatosis should begin early to suppress the tumor's development and help with NF symptoms. Doctors use drugs such as erlotinib, imatinib, sorafenib, sirolimus, and the recently FDA-approved MEK selumetinib, which affect a specific protein that helps cells actively grow and divide, to treat neurofibromatosis. As a result, patients have a decrease in tumors. In addition, in some cases, therapy leads to hearing improvement. Before starting the course, a special analysis is performed to determine the presence of target cells and the selection of suitable drugs for you. As a rule, medications are in the form of tablets or droppers. The duration of the course of treatment depends on the type and reaction of tumors, the prevalence of the process, and the presence of complications. Physicians report that patients usually require several courses, and the treatment is successfully combined with other methods. Therefore, it's rarely used as a solo approach.