The BRAF V600E gene mutation occurs in about 55% of melanomas. The fact that there are targeted therapies to address that mutation is hopeful. Unfortunately, the first generation BRAF-inhibitors showed quick and early promise (shrinking many patients' tumors tremendously), these effects only last 12 to 18 months (at most), as new melanoma cells develop in the body resistant to the BRAF-inhibitation. So, now trials are combining BRAF-inhibitors with MEK-inhibitors to attack the path that melanoma cells often take to circumvent the BRAF-inhibitation. This approach is showing further progress.
It's a bit like whack-a-mole. Unfortunately, it takes time and money to find the best treatment paths.
Fortunately, more progress has made in the fight against melanoma in the last five years than the previous twenty. As a 2.5 year melanoma survivor (Stage IV in Summer 2012), I'm appreciative of this fact each and every day.
It's a bit like whack-a-mole. Unfortunately, it takes time and money to find the best treatment paths.
Fortunately, more progress has made in the fight against melanoma in the last five years than the previous twenty. As a 2.5 year melanoma survivor (Stage IV in Summer 2012), I'm appreciative of this fact each and every day.