BRAF and Melanoma: Taking It Personally

More than 80% of melanoma patients with an activating mutation in BRAF responded to treatment with PLX4032.

Ever since researchers first described the role of BRAF mutations in melanoma, we have eagerly awaited a clinically effective anti-BRAF drug. A recent multicenter trial of a new agent seems to be the first step toward personalized medicine for melanoma. Investigators conducted a dose-escalation trial, with an extension phase, of PLX4032, an orally available kinase inhibitor of mutated BRAF; the co-developers of this agent supported the research. Fifty-five patients (49 with melanoma) were enrolled in an initial dose-escalation phase; another 32 patients with metastatic melanoma and tumors harboring the BRAF^V600E mutation were enrolled in an extension phase.

In the first phase, the investigators analyzed antitumor activity and dose-limiting t…

Reviewing Author

Hensin Tsao, MD, PhD

Disclosures

Consultant / advisory board Lubax; WorldCare Clinical

EquityLubax

Grant / Research support NIH; Department of Defense; American Skin Association; Piramal

Editorial boardsBritish Journal of Dermatology; Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology; Journal of Investigative Dermatology

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Skin Cancer and Melanoma Committee); American Board of Dermatology (Director)