BRAF inhibition is associated with enhanced melanoma antigen expression and a more favorable tumor microenvironment in patients with metastatic melanoma.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of BRAF inhibition on the tumor microenvironment in patients with metastatic melanoma.

Experimental design

Thirty-five biopsies were collected from 16 patients with metastatic melanoma pretreatment (day 0) and at 10 to 14 days after initiation of treatment with either BRAF inhibitor alone (vemurafenib) or BRAF + MEK inhibition (dabrafenib + trametinib) and were also taken at time of progression. Biopsies were analyzed for melanoma antigens, T-cell markers, and immunomodulatory cytokines.

Results

Treatment with either BRAF inhibitor alone or BRAF + MEK inhibitor was associated with an increased expression of melanoma antigens and an increase in CD8+ T-cell infiltrate. This was also associated with a decrease in immunosuppressive cytokine

SUBMITTER: Frederick DT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3752683 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature