Mekinist and tafinlar for colorectal cancer – pro
Using Mekinist for colorectal cancer is just beginning to be studied. The five objective responses confirmed in the trial by Corcoran et al included one complete response that was ongoing after 36 months. Mutational analysis showed that the patient who achieved the complete response, as well as two of three evaluable patients with partial responses, had PIK3CA mutations. PTEN loss and microsatellite instability did not correlate with the combination’s efficacy. Responses to the combination treatment were comparable in the xenografts and biopsied lesions from each corresponding patient, the authors reported. The literature is not sufficient to render this a medically necessary treatment.
Nagaraja AK and Bass AJ “Hitting the target in BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer” J Clin Oncol 2015; DOI: 10.1200/jco.2015.63.7793.
Corcoran RB, et al “Combined BRAF and MEK inhibition with dabrafenib and trametinib in BRAF V600-mutant colorectal cancer” J Clin Oncol 2015; DOI: 10.1200/jco.2015.63.2471.