Trametinib treatment and quality of life in advanced melanoma

This study compared quality of life among advanced melanoma patients receiving either trametinib (Mekinist) or chemotherapy.

Until recently, chemotherapy was the treatment of choice in the treatment of wide spread melanoma. Since the identification of commonly occurring genetic mutations in melanoma tumors, several targeted biological therapies have been developed. Trametinib is an oral medication recently approved for the treatment of advanced melanoma patients with specific mutations of the BRAF gene (BRAF-V600E mutated melanoma). Trametinib has been shown to delay disease progression and prolong survival among melanoma patients, however the effects of trametinib on patient quality of life has not yet been examined.

This study examined quality of life among 273 advanced BRAF-V600E melanoma patients receiving either trametinib or chemotherapy. Quality of life was assessed using a standardized questionnaire in which patients rated their overall health, ability to function and the occurrence of specific symptoms.

6-12 weeks into treatment, overall health scores improved by 2-3 points in patients receiving trametinib and worsened by 4-5 points among patients receiving chemotherapy. Among patients receiving trametinib, significantly fewer symptoms were reported, including fatigue, nausea, pain, insomnia, and appetite loss. Patients receiving trametinib also reported increased ability to perform functions of daily living, increased emotional wellbeing and a higher degree of social functioning compared to those receiving chemotherapy.  An overall improvement in quality of life was also seen among patients switching from chemotherapy to trametinib treatment after melanoma progression.

This study concluded that among advanced melanoma patients trametinib shows improved quality of life compared to chemotherapy.

This study was funded by Glaxo-Smith-Kline, the manufacturers of trametinib (Mekinist).