A case report to assess the safety and efficacy of Burosumab, an investigational antibody to FGF23, in a single pediatric patient with Epidermal Nevus Syndrome and associated hypophosphatemic rickets

Abstract

Epidermal Nevus Syndrome (ENS), also known as Cutaneous Skeletal Hypophosphatemia Syndrome or Linear Sebaceous Nevus Syndrome, is caused by a mosaic somatic mutation of RAS (Rat Sarcoma genes) which leads to abnormally elevated levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). FGF23 is a major regulator in phosphate homeostasis. There are multiple disorders, along with Epidermal Nevus Syndrome (ENS), that result in unusually high circulating levels of FGF23. This increase ultimately leads to renal phosphate wasting and reduced levels of 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D. Across these disorders, the clinical symptoms are similar and often include osteomalacia (hypophosphatemic rickets in children), muscle weakness, fatigue, joint deformities, bone pain, and fractures. Burosumab (KRN23), is an IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds to the FGF23 receptor and inhibits the activity of FGF23. This leads to an increase in serum phosphate levels. Burosumab emerged as a potential therapy in FGF23 overactivity disorders. Burosumab was successful in the treatment of X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) and is now FDA-approved for its treatment. Studies have indicated that Burosumab therapy in subjects with XLH consistently increases and sustains serum phosphorus levels and tubular reabsorption of phosphate without a major impact on urine calcium levels or vitamin D metabolism. We studied the effect of Burosumab treatment in a single pediatric patient with Epidermal Nevus Syndrome. Serum phosphorus rose gradually as we titrated the dose of Burosumab upwards. During treatment, a persistent elevation of parathyroid hormone levels was noted along with a persistent elevation of serum calcium. We presumed the patient had tertiary hyperparathyroidism. However, after the removal of three parathyroid glands, the pathology came back with a single enlarged parathyroid adenoma. Subsequently, his calcium and PTH, and phosphorus levels stabilized while taking only Burosumab. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04320316.

Keywords: Burosumab; Epidermal Nevus Syndrome; FGF23; Hyperparathyroidism; Hypophosphatemia.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no affiliation with any organization with a direct or indirect financial interest in the subject matter discussed in the manuscript.

© 2022 The Authors.

Figures

Fig. 1

Serum levels of phosphorus, 1,25-hydroxy Vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, calcium, and alkaline phosphatase. Gray boxes indicate normal ranges. A. Serum phosphorus levels for 12-months treatment with Burosumab. B. Serum 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D levels for 12-months treatment with Burosumab. C. Serum parathyroid hormone levels for 12-months treatment with Burosumab. D. Serum calcium levels for 12-months treatment with Burosumab. E. Serum alkaline phosphatase levels for 12-months treatment with Burosumab.