Dabrafenib + Trametinib
- OralDabrafenib + TrametinibTafinlar + Mekinist
- Mechanism of Action
- Normally, activation of RAS pathway via receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) results in activation of BRAF which then activates MEK, and in turn, ERK.
- The RAS / RAF / MEK / ERK pathway stimulates cell proliferation and survival.
- In melanoma with BRAF mutations, the mutant BRAF (most commonly V600E) is constitutionally active.
- BRAF inhibitors bind to mutant BRAF V600 and, in turn, inhibit cellular proliferation in cells with BRAF mutations.
- MEK inhibitors bind to MEK, which is downstream of BRAF.
Clinical Use
- Indications
- Unresectable stage III or metastatic (stage IV) melanoma with BRAF (V600) mutation
- Adjuvant treatment of melanoma with BRAF (V600) mutation and lymph node involvement
- Adverse Effects
- Paradoxically have less side effects than BRAF inhibitors alone.
- Rash
- Alopecia
- Hyperkeratosis
- Visual disturbance
- Photosensitivity
- Papillomas / squamous cell carcinomas
- Nausea / vomiting / diarrhoea
- Arthralgia / myalgia
- Headache