BRAF inhibitors and radiotherapy for melanoma brain metastases: potential advantages and disadvantages of combination therapy.

ABSTRACT: Melanoma is an aggressive malignancy that frequently spreads to the brain, resulting in rapid deterioration in both quality and quantity of life. Historically, treatment options for melanoma brain metastases (MBM) have predominantly consisted of surgery and radiotherapy. While these options can help provide local control, the majority of patients still develop intracranial progression. Indeed, novel therapeutic options, including molecularly targeted agents and immunotherapy, have improved outcomes and are now changing the role of radiotherapy. Up to 50% of melanomas contain an activating BRAF mutation, resulting in hyperactive cellular proliferation and survival. Drugs that target BRAF have been introduced for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and offer hope in improving disease outcom

SUBMITTER: Chowdhary M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5161425 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature