Dabrafenib with trametinib for treating metastatic or unresectable BRAF V600 mutation-positive melanoma in adolescents

Dabrafenib in combination with trametinib is currently in clinical development for the treatment of advanced BRAF V600 mutation-positive melanoma in adolescents. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. Common signs include the appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing mole. This can happen anywhere on the body, but the most commonly affected areas are the back in men and the legs in women. It is caused by ultraviolet (UV) light damaging the DNA in skin cells. Despite being rare, melanoma is the most common cancer in children, often more common in adolescents aged 15 – 19 years. Patients who have unresectable or metastatic melanoma have had the cancer spread to distant parts of the body and it cannot be surgically removed. Current treatment options for unresectable or metastatic melanoma are recommended for use in adults, there is therefore need for effective treatment options for young adults.