skip to main content

Dabrafenib Pyrexia Management — SCE Medical Oncology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyMelanoma & SkinDabrafenib Pyrexia ManagementSCE Medical Oncology

A 62-year-old man with melanoma achieves CR on dabrafenib + trametinib. He develops new pyrexia (39.5°C), rigors, and arthralgia 6 months into treatment. Blood cultures are negative. CRP is mildly elevated. What is the most likely cause?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Dabrafenib-associated pyrexia (~50% of patients) — a non-infective inflammatory reaction; managed by treatment interruption, antipyretics and prophylactic low-dose corticosteroids if recurrent; NOT caused by trametinib

Dabrafenib pyrexia: the most common adverse effect (~50%), often recurrent, non-infective mechanism. Management: hold until afebrile ≥24h → restart ± prophylactic prednisolone 10-20mg for 5 days around each cycle. Infection always excluded. Dose reduction if recurrent despite prophylaxis.

Reference: BNF Dabrafenib; COMBI safety; ESMO 2024 Melanoma