Healthcare with Confidence
Targeted therapy is an effective option of melanoma treatment that reduces the growth of cancer cells and prolong life of patients with metastatic melanoma.
Advanced medical research has led to the characterization of many molecular mechanisms responsible for the development of cancer. New, targeted drugs have been developed for these mechanisms that neutralize their activity.
40-50% of melanoma patients have a mutation in the BRAF gene that causes uncontrolled cell division and the development of a cancerous tumor. A group of drugs that target mutations in the BRAF gene neutralize the mutation and lead to regulated cell division. These drugs are particularly effective in patients with the BRAF V600E mutation (which accounts for 80-70% of BRAF mutations).
A mutation in the BRAF gene can be identified by testing a sample taken at the time of diagnosis or surgery.
Targeted treatments are intended for advanced melanoma (stage 4, metastatic disease).
There are different types of targeted therapies (sometimes called biological therapies), and each of them works differently.
The goal of targeted therapy is to stop the action of mutating molecules in order to slow the growth of melanoma cells without damaging the healthy tissue.
Target therapy blocks the activity of MEK protein and BRAF protein. Thus, targeted drugs slow or stop the growth and spread of melanoma.
Our doctor is worldwide known oncologist with many years of experience in melanoma treatment.
Prof. Schachter – Head of Melanoma Institute – Consultation Online
Medicines approved by FDA for targeted therapy:
- Dabrafenib (Tafinlar®) + Trametinib (Mekinist®) combination
- Vemurafenib (Zelboraf®) + Cobemetinib (Cotellik®) combination
- Trametinib (Mekinist®) – MEK inhibitor
- Vemurafenib (Zelboraf®) – BRAF inhibitor
- Davrafenib (Tafinlar®) – BRAF inhibitor
- Lenvatinib (Lenvima®) – TKI inhibitor
- Ipilimumab (Yervoy®) – CTLA4 inhibitor
Actually, treatment regimens are updated every two to three months in Israel.
Please contact us to be consulted by our doctor in order to get treatment recommendations according to the latest treatment guidelines.
Details about the Targeted Therapy Drugs
Ipilimumab (Yervoy®)*
Ipilimumab is a monoclonal antibody that attaches to immune system cells and inhibits the CTLA4 protein found on them. Inhibiting the protein allows the immune system to fight the proliferation of cancer cells. The drug is administrated intravenously in combination with immunotherapy drug.
Vemurafenib (Zelboraf®)*
Vemurafenib is a type of ‘kinase inhibitor’ treatment. Kinases are proteins that regulate the development and growth of cells in the body. Vemurafenib blocks these proteins, which are found in cancer cells, and thus prevents their growth. Vemurafenib is considered a targeted drug because it acts on specific proteins found in cancer cells.
Dabrafenib (Tafinlar®)*
A biologic drug is another ‘kinase inhibitor’ or ‘growth inhibitor’. The drug blocks the production of protein in cells, impairing their ability to divide, thereby slowing or stopping the development of the cancerous tumor.
Cobimetinib (Cotellic®)*
A targeted drug that inhibits the activity of the MEK protein tyrosine kinase, impairing the ability of cancer cells to divide, thereby slowing or stopping the development of the cancerous tumor.
Trametinib (Mekinist®)*
A targeted drug that inhibits the activity of the MEK protein tyrosine kinase, which impairs the ability of cancer cells to divide, thereby slowing or stopping the development of the tumor.
Encorafenib (Braftovi®)*
A drug that inhibits the activity of the MEK protein tyrosine kinase, impairs the ability of cancer cells to divide, thus slowing or stopping the development of the tumor. Encorafenib is given in combination with another targeted drug, called binimetinib (details below).
Binimetinib (Mektovi®)*
The drug is given in combination with Encorafenib.
These drugs are given in tablets and patients easily take them at home.
Interferon Alpha
A targeted drug approved for adjunctive treatment in melanoma patients at high risk of disease recurrence. The drug is given by subcutaneous injection (under the skin), usually in the thigh or abdomen.
About 20% of patients will respond well to biological therapy even five years after it begins and their melanoma will quickly regress. However, many patients will develop resistance to this treatment after about a year or a year and a half, and then the next treatment will usually be immunotherapy.
Other treatments:
