More Evidence That Two Are Better Than One

Phase III evidence confirms improved outcomes with combined BRAF and MEK inhibition for treating melanoma.

A previous pivotal trial revealed that combined BRAF and MEK inhibition yielded better efficacy than BRAF inhibition alone (NEJM JW Dermatol Oct 12 2012). This evidence eventually led to FDA approvals of both dabrafenib and trametinib for advanced melanoma. However, the earlier study was an unblended, phase II trial that allowed for crossover from dabrafenib alone at the time of disease progression. Now, two manufacturer-funded, phase III trials of combination regimens have been completed in patients with BRAF V600E or BRAF V600K mutations.

Larkin and colleagues randomized 495 patients at multiple international centers with untreated, unresectable advanced or metastatic melanoma to combined vemurafenib-cobimetinib or to vemurafenib-plus-plac…

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)