A model for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in vemurafenib therapy

Vemurafenib is a chemotherapeutic BRAF inhibitor, or dabrafenib, that has been FDA-approved for treatment in metastatic melanoma positive for the V600E mutation. BRAF inhibitors, including vemurafenib, are linked to the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and keratoacanthoma. Furthermore, pathological analysis has shown these secondary tumors do not harbor the same mutations as the primary cancer, suggesting de novo pathogenesis. In accordance, patients require close dermatological follow-up due to the high prevalence rates of these tumors. This paper takes the form of an extensive case-and-review article exploring the development of these tumors and their management.