Targeted therapy for melanoma skin cancer

Because doctors have found some changes, so that melanoma cells different from normal cells, genes, they have begun to develop drugs attack these changes. These targeted drugs work differently standard chemotherapy drugs. Sometimes they work, not when chemotherapy. They can also have serious side effects. Doctors are still learning to use these drugs to treat melanoma in the best way.

BRAF gene targets of drug therapy changes

About half of all melanomas have BRAF gene change (mutation). These changes caused by genetic alterations BRAF protein signaling melanocytes rapid growth and division. Drugs against this protein. If you have advanced melanoma, it may biopsy samples for testing to see if it contains a BRAF mutation. BRAF protein targets are not likely to work melanoma patients have a normal BRAF gene drugs.

Vemurafenib (Zelboraf) is a drug for melanoma cell BRAF gene changed. It leads to tumor shrinkage in metastatic melanoma who have BRAF gene variation is about half. It also extended the time before the tumor began to grow again, and help some patients live longer, although melanoma usually starts to grow again, eventually.

This drug is a pill twice a day. The most common side effects are joint pain, fatigue, hair loss, rash, itching, sun sensitivity, and nausea. Less common but serious side effects occur, such as heart rhythm problems, liver problems, severe allergic reactions, severe skin or eye problems.

Some people develop new vemurafenib treatment of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma. These cancers are usually not serious and can be treated to remove them. However, your doctor will want to regularly check your skin during treatment and after a few months. You should also let your doctor know immediately if you find any on your skin or abnormal new growth areas.