Work

Empiric Therapy with BRAF and MEK Inhibitors in Metastatic Melanoma

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: mutant melanoma. Rarely, patients without previous testing present with fulminant progression necessitating emergent treatment prior to BRAF testing results. The safety and efficacy of empiric treatment in this setting is unclear. Herein, we present two patients treated with empiric BRAF and MEK inhibitors, resulting in dramatic clinical improvement in one patient later found to have a BRAF mutation, and lack of improvement (but no accelerated progression) in a patient lacking this mutation. Empiric BRAF and MEK inhibitor treatment should not be routinely pursued but may be given safely in rare, emergent situations.

Source: The Oncologist

DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2019-0332

Authors: Christopher G. Cann, Benjamin F. Tillman, Elizabeth J. Davis, Douglas B. Johnson

Institution: Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Melanoma and MAPK Pathways

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: Melanoma Research Foundation, Melanoma Research Alliance, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute