Braftovi Encorafenib Mektovi Binimetinib: A Combination Therapy for Metastatic BRAF+ Melanoma
Braftovi Encorafenib Mektovi Binimetinib: A Combination Therapy for Metastatic BRAF+ Melanoma
Metastatic melanoma is a type of skin cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It is a serious and life-threatening condition that requires effective treatment. About half of the patients with metastatic melanoma have a mutation in a gene called BRAF, which makes the cancer cells grow and divide faster 1. Therefore, targeting BRAF is a promising strategy to treat this type of cancer.
Braftovi (encorafenib) and Mektovi (binimetinib) are two drugs that work together to block the activity of BRAF and its downstream partner MEK, which are involved in the signaling pathway that regulates the growth and survival of cancer cells 2. Braftovi is a BRAF inhibitor that binds to and inhibits some forms of mutated BRAF, while Mektovi is a MEK inhibitor that blocks the activity of MEK1 and MEK2 3.
Braftovi and Mektovi are approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic melanoma that is positive for the BRAF V600 mutation 34. This means that the patients need to have a test to confirm that they have this specific mutation before starting the treatment.
The recommended dose of Braftovi is 450 mg (six capsules of 75 mg) once a day, and the recommended dose of Mektovi is 45 mg (three tablets of 15 mg) twice a day 34. The drugs should be taken orally with or without food, at least one hour apart from each other. The dose may be reduced, interrupted, or discontinued depending on the occurrence and severity of side effects 34.
The efficacy and safety of Braftovi and Mektovi were evaluated in a phase III clinical trial called COLUMBUS, which involved 577 patients with metastatic BRAF V600-mutant melanoma 5. The trial compared Braftovi plus Mektovi with Zelboraf (vemurafenib), another BRAF inhibitor, or Braftovi alone. The results showed that Braftovi plus Mektovi significantly improved the median progression-free survival (the time without disease worsening) compared to Zelboraf (14.9 months vs 7.3 months) or Braftovi alone (9.6 months). Braftovi plus Mektovi also significantly improved the overall survival (the length of time a person lives) compared to Zelboraf (33.6 months vs 16.9 months) 5.
The most common side effects of Braftovi and Mektovi were nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, vomiting, abdominal pain, joint pain, rash, headache, muscle pain, and dry skin 34. The most serious side effects were bleeding, heart problems, eye problems, skin problems, liver problems, kidney problems, and high blood pressure 34. Patients should monitor their health and report any symptoms to their doctor while taking Braftovi and Mektovi.
Braftovi and Mektovi are a combination therapy that offers a new option for patients with metastatic BRAF V600-mutant melanoma. By blocking the activity of different molecules within cancer cells that cause the cancer to grow and spread, Braftovi and Mektovi can slow down the disease progression and prolong survival. However, patients should be aware of the potential side effects and follow their doctor’s instructions carefully while taking this treatment.
References
1: Melanoma - Genetics Home Reference - NIH 2: Braftovi + Mektovi for Metastatic BRAF+ Melanoma 3: ALLEGATO I RIASSUNTO DELLE CARATTERISTICHE DEL PRODOTTO 4: IBRANCE® | Pfizer 5: Dummer R, Ascierto PA, Gogas HJ, et al. Encorafenib plus binimetinib versus vemurafenib or encorafenib in patients with BRAF-mutant melanoma (COLUMBUS): a multicentre, open-label, randomised phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2018;19(5):603-615.