Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 29, 2026

A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
08:49

A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model

Published on: May 18, 2018

16.8K

Targeted Therapy for Melanoma

Deborah J L Wong1, Antoni Ribas2,3

  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 10833, USA.

Cancer Treatment and Research
|November 26, 2015
PubMed

Insights

BRAF inhibitors like vemurafenib and dabrafenib treat BRAF V600-mutant melanoma. Combining them with MEK inhibitors or immunotherapy may overcome resistance and improve patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • BRAF V600 mutations drive melanoma and other cancers.
  • BRAF inhibitors (vemurafenib, dabrafenib) target the MAPK pathway.
  • Resistance to BRAF inhibitors is a significant clinical challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the efficacy of BRAF inhibitors in metastatic melanoma.
  • To discuss mechanisms of resistance to BRAF inhibitors.
  • To explore strategies for overcoming BRAF inhibitor resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of BRAF inhibitor therapy.
  • Analysis of resistance mechanisms in BRAF-mutant cancers.
  • Evaluation of combination therapy approaches.

Main Results:

  • BRAF inhibitors show high efficacy in BRAF V600-mutant melanoma.
  • Resistance mechanisms are diverse and complex.
  • Combination therapy with MEK inhibitors delays resistance.

Conclusions:

  • BRAF inhibitors are effective targeted therapies for melanoma.
  • Overcoming resistance is crucial for long-term patient benefit.
  • Combining BRAF inhibitors with MEK inhibitors or immunotherapy offers promising strategies.
Keywords:
BRAFDabrafenibMEKMelanomaTrametinibVemurafenib

More Related Videos

Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts10:27

Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts

Published on: July 25, 2020

8.1K
Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells06:09

Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells

Published on: June 7, 2019

9.7K

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
9.1K
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

1.8K
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
2.2K
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
6.3K
Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
6.6K
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted01:24

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted

Site-targeted drug delivery systems enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and treatment costs. Unlike conventional methods, these systems ensure precise drug delivery, improving bioavailability and reducing side effects. Targeted drug delivery is classified into three levels. First-order targeting directs drugs to the capillary beds of specific organs or tissues. Second-order targets specific cell types, such as tumor cells, using receptor-mediated interactions.
109