This study presented the results of targeted therapies in patients treated for metastatic melanoma.

In recent years, a growing understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to the development of cancer has uncovered several genetic mutations associated with the formation of melanoma. New therapies which specifically target these molecular pathways (called targeted molecular therapies) have also been developed. For example, a mutation in the BRAF gene is responsible for many cases of melanoma and is associated with increased production of a protein which encourages excessive cell growth. A BRAF mutation targeted therapy called vermurafenib has been developed which inhibits the production of the BRAF protein.

160 patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma were included in this study, and a molecular analysis was performed on 134 (83.7%) of the patients to determine if a specific genetic mutation existed. However, not all patients were tested for all mutations.

61.2% (82 of 134 patients tested) were found to be positive for the BRAF mutation. 20.7% (23 of 111 patients tested) had a NRAS mutation, 2.6% (2 of 77 patients tested) had a KIT mutation, 2.3% (1 of 44 patients tested) had a KRAS mutation and 11.1% (1 of 9 patients tested) had a P53 mutation.

52.4% (84 of the original 160 patients) were treated with at least one targeted agent directed specifically at the genetic mutation the patient had.

Of the patients with a BRAF mutation, 90.2% were treated with targeted therapy, of which 45.9% achieved complete or partial remission of the disease. Of the patients with a mutation other than BRAF, only 19.2% received a matched targeted therapy, and only 2% achieved partial remission of the disease.

The study concluded that targeted therapies significantly improve the outcome of metastatic melanoma patients compared to standard chemotherapy treatments.

This study was not preformed in a controlled manner, but rather simply observed patients receiving various treatments. In addition, patient characteristics and other treatments received were not compared or accounted for. This could have lead to an overestimation of the benefits of targeted therapies. Furthermore, it is possible that BRAF mutations themselves act as a good prognostic factor. A controlled trial is necessary in order to confirm these results.

Consult with your physician regarding molecular testing and targeted therapies in the treatment of metastatic melanoma.