BRAF-/MEK-Inhibition With Dabrafenib and Trametinib in Melanoma Patients

Melanoma is a disease of significant metastatic potential if not detected very early. Oncogenic mutations in BRAF (B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase) are found in approximately 40% of melanomas and result in constitutive activation of the MAPK (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase) pathway. Treatment with the BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib plus the MEK (Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase) inhibitor trametinib showed improved overall survival in patients with unresectable or metastatic BRAF V600E/K-mutant melanoma (COMBI-d and COMBI-v studies). In an adjuvant setting treatment with dabrafenib and trametinib significantly reduced the risk of melanoma recurrence in patients with high-risk, stage III BRAF V600-mutant melanoma, with improvements in OS (Overall Survival), DMFS (Distant Metastasis Free Survival), and FFR (Freedom From Relaps) (COMBI-AD study). Based on these results, adjuvant dabrafenib plus trametinib therapy was approved in 2018 by the EMA. Compared to the metastatic situation, issues of compliance and treatment adherence may be more relevant in adjuvant treatments, as patients are free of disease and potentially cured even without adjuvant treatment. As the routine administration of drugs including dosing, treatment interruptions, and early termination in clinical practice may vary from procedures defined in clinical trials, this study aims to assess the usage of adjuvant dabrafenib and trametinib in the routine clinical setting.