Combination of BRAF and MEK inhibitors in the treatment of advanced malignant melanoma harbouring BRAF V600 mutation

01/2019

MUDr. Radmila Lemstrová, Ph.D.; MUDr. Martina Spisarová

Onkologická klinika LF UP a FN, Olomouc

SUMMARY

Immunotherapy and targeted therapy have radically changed prognosis of patients with advanced malignant melanoma. Nowadays up to 40 % of patients reach long term remission of disease. Around 50 % of malignant melanomas harbor BRAF V600 mutation. Combination of BRAF and MEK inhibitors in the treatment of BRAF V600 mutated melanomas has led to increased efficacy with acceptable toxicity of the treatment. Unfortunately, the secondary resistance develops to combination therapy too. New strategies to overcome the secondary resistance are subject of many clinical trials as well as appropriate sequence of treatment of BRAF V600 mutated melanoma. The results of ongoing clinical trials will hopefully lead to further optimizing of the treatment. This review summarizes the combination of vemurafenib and cobimetinib in the treatment of advanced BRAF V600 mutated malignant melanoma.

KEY WORDS

melanoma, targeted therapy, BRAF inhibitor, MEK inhibitor, vemurafenib, cobimetinib