In a nutshell
This study investigated the impact of adverse events (AEs) of treatment with vemurafenib (Zelboraf) and cobimetinib (Cotellic) on survival in patients with melanoma.
They found that early side effects requiring dose reduction had a positive effect on treatment outcomes.
Some background
Some melanoma tumors are caused by specific gene abnormalities. Melanoma treatment can be improved by using drugs that target these gene abnormalities. Vemurafenib and cobimetinib are such drugs. By targeting genes involved in melanoma growth and spread they help to reduce the growth and spread of these tumors.
Some studies have shown that combining these two drugs improves survival in melanoma. There are a number of side effects or adverse events (AEs) associated with vemurafenib/cobimetinib treatment. It is unclear if AEs have an impact on the success of this treatment combination in melanoma.
Methods & findings
This study included 830 patients with melanoma. All patients were treated with vemurafenib initially. 247 patients received both vemurafenib and cobimetinib. The authors looked at the AEs reported during treatment.
265 patients had to reduce or interrupt treatment within 28 days due to AEs. These patients had a 21% higher odds of a better overall survival. They also had an 18% higher survival without cancer growing or spreading.
Common AEs included rash, joint pain) and light sensitivity. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and fever were also common. There was a significant association between the occurrence of joint pain in the first 28 days of treatment and better rates of survival and treatment response.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that AEs that requires dose reduction of vemurafenib/cobimetinib treatment had a positive effect on treatment outcomes.
The fine print
Certain AEs may require more dose adjustment. Balancing the number and type of AEs with drug effectiveness is important in advanced carcinoma.
What’s next?
If you have any concerns regarding melanoma treatment, please consult with your oncologist.
Published By :
Pigment Cell & melanoma Research
Date :
Feb 13, 2019
