Oncoprescribe Blog Malignant Melanoma – An Elusive Disease?

Not anymore. A point mutation in the BRAF proto-oncogene has now been identified. This is detected in approximately 60% of the patients with metastatic melanoma. This mutation appears to be one of the key genetic drivers responsible of the initiation and progression of malignant melanoma. Several selective BRAF inhibitors are in development and these agents have demonstrated significantly high overall response rates. In addition to the anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibodies we may soon have a new player with a different mechanism of action to combat this deadly disease.