Combining targeted therapy with immunotherapy in BRAF-mutant melanoma: promise and challenges.

ABSTRACT: Recent breakthroughs in the treatment of advanced melanoma are based on scientific advances in understanding oncogenic signaling and the immunobiology of this cancer. Targeted therapy can successfully block oncogenic signaling in BRAF(V600)-mutant melanoma with high initial clinical responses, but relapse rates are also high. Activation of an immune response by releasing inhibitory check points can induce durable responses in a subset of patients with melanoma. These advances have driven interest in combining both modes of therapy with the goal of achieving high response rates with prolonged duration. Combining BRAF inhibitors and immunotherapy can specifically target the BRAF(V600) driver mutation in the tumor cells and potentially sensitize the immune system to target tumors. However, it

SUBMITTER: Hu-Lieskovan S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4164812 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature