Vemurafenib

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Selective B-Raf kinase inhibitor,[1] subject to on-going trials as a small-molecule inhibitor of mutant B-Raf, which is mutated in a number of cancers, and in particular, 70% of malignant melanoma. The V600E mutation which activates the MAPK pathway so promoting cell proliferation and preventing apoptosis is targetted. Its use in treating metastatic malignant melanoma appears promising, including a large trial that was stopped early due to a good early results.[2][3] FDA approval was gained in August 2011.

It is also likely to be effective in hairy cell leukaemia with at least one case report of clinical remission.
PMID link to reference awaited

Side-effects

  • Cutaneous squamous-cell carcinomas (mainly keratoacanthomas develop in about 26%)
  • Arthalgia
  • Rash
  • Photosensitivity
  • Fatigue
  • Alopecia

References

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