Updates and challenges on treatment with BRAF/MEK-inhibitors in melanoma

Introduction: Breakthroughs in targeted therapy have significantly improved outcomes for many patients with advanced melanoma, including those with BRAFV600 mutant disease. Targeted therapy for BRAFV600-mutant metastatic melanoma includes combinations of BRAF inhibitors and MEK inhibitors, which improve response rates and prolong progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in these patients. However, while durable responses have been observed, many patients develop acquired resistance to these drugs.

Areas covered: Recent clinical trial updates and ongoing studies with targeted therapy for BRAF-V600 mutant melanoma are reviewed.

Expert opinion: Although BRAF targeted therapy remains an effective treatment for BRAF-mutant for melanoma, ongoing trials are exploring combinations with other targeted therapeutics and immunotherapeutics to determine whether tumor responses can be prolonged, and these drugs are increasingly utilized in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings.