17 Oct Melanoma: Combination BRAF and MEK Inhibitors Has Better Safety Profile

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Martina Sanlorenzo, MD
Department of Dermatology
Mt. Zion Cancer Research Bldg.
San Francisco, CA 94143-0808

Medical Research: What are the main findings of the study?

Dr. Sanlorenzo: In the treatment of BRAF mutant melanoma, the combination of BRAF inhibitor and MEK inhibitor has a better cutaneous safety profile compared with BRAF inhibitor monotherapy. Combination regimen shows fewer cutaneous adverse events and longer cutaneous adverse event-free interval. In particular, the development of squamous cell carcinoma or keratoacanthoma was significantly less frequent.

Medical Research: What was most surprising about the results?

Dr. Sanlorenzo: BRAF and MEK inhibitor combination therapy, which previously showed improved 
progression-free survival
 over single inhibitor therapy, is also related to a better cutaneous safety profile.

Regardless of the treatment regimen, anytime a patient receives vemurafenib, particular attention should be given to sun-exposure prevention measures.

Medical Research: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Dr. Sanlorenzo: Each inhibitor and each combination has a particular cutaneous safety profile. Knowledge of expected cutaneous adverse events can help clinical decision- making during follow-up.

Citation:

Comparative profile of cutaneous adverse events: BRAF/MEK inhibitor combination therapy versus BRAF monotherapy in melanoma
Sanlorenzo, Martina et al.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
JAAD September 2, 2014; Published Online: October 15, 2014
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2014.09.002

Last Updated on October 17, 2014 by Marie Benz MD FAAD