Introduction: Selective inhibition of the MAPK pathway with BRAF and MEK inhibitors has emerged as a key component of the treatment of BRAF-mutant unresectable/locally advanced metastatic melanoma.
Areas covered: Current data are presented on the efficacy and safety of BRAFi + MEKi combination therapy (dabrafenib/trametinib, vemurafenib/cobimetinib, and encorafenib/binimetinib) from phase I, II, and III trials in the unresectable/locally advanced metastatic setting, as well as neoadjuvant and adjuvant applications. The theoretical basis, pre-clinical findings, clinical trial results and current ongoing clinical studies of combined BRAF/MEK inhibition with immunotherapy, also known as 'triplet therapy,' are also explored.
Expert opinion: Combination therapy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors dramatically improves response rates, progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with BRAF-mutant metastatic melanoma compared to historical treatments such as chemotherapy. Some serious adverse effects, including cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, are attenuated with combination therapy, while less severe and reversible effects including pyrexia, left ventricular dysfunction, and ocular events can be more common with combination therapy. Existing data are insufficient to recommend triplet therapy, or a particular treatment sequence, with respect to BRAF and MEK inhibitors and immune therapies, though results from multiple ongoing trials are anticipated.
Keywords: BRAF; MAPK; MEK; binimetinib; dabrafenib; encorafenib; melanoma; targeted therapy; trametinib; triplet therapy.