Rationale for routine screening in melanoma patients with BRAF L597 mutation

A study conducted at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) has concluded BRAF 597, an uncommon mutation of the BRAF gene, responds to MEK inhibitors, encouraging the uptake of screening and therapy in melanoma patients afflicted with this condition. According to the researchers, "the MEK inhibitor led to a dramatic shut down of signalling, suggesting that tumors harbouring BRAD L597...mutations might benefit from treatment with MEK inhibitors." Although the study is currently only in the phase I clinical trial stage, a patient undergoing two cycles of MEK inhibitor therapy was diagnosed as disease progression-free after more than 24 weeks.

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Study mentioned: Dahlman KB et al. BRAF L597 mutations in melanoma are associated with sensitivity to MEK inhibitors. Cancer Discov. 2012 Jul 13 [Epub ahead of print].
PMID 22798288.