Targeted Therapy helps cure melanoma
Melanoma,a type of skin cancer, is usually treatable when it’s detected early, and can be addressed by Targeted Therapy drugs, which, unlike chemo, kills only cancer cells.
Below are some of Targeted Therapy drugs:
- Vemurafenib. The FDA approved this drug for targeted therapy in 2011. It is approved for people who are positive for the BRAF gene. Several studies show that it helps extend survival. Vemurafenib is a pill you take twice a day. Possible side effects include fatigue, rash, sun sensitivity, and an increased risk of other types of skin cancers.
- Dabrafenib. The FDA approved this drug in 2013. It also targets BRAF. You take this drug as a capsule twice a day. It appears to be as effective as vemurafenib. Side effects can include flu-like symptoms and thickening of the skin. It is less likely than vemurafenib to cause other skin cancers.
- Trametinib. The FDA approved this drug in 2013. It blocks the MEK gene. You take this pill once a day. It may work best in combination with a BRAF inhibitor. Side effects include rash and diarrhea. Heart, lung and vision problems are rare but serious possible complications.