Targeting Melanoma
December 21, 2011
One of the best pieces of news in the battle against skin cancer is FDA approval of a new drug that targets a specific gene mutation found in about half of melanoma patients. Along with the pill called Zelboraf, the FDA also approved a test to screen patients for the mutation that the drug targets. The approval of Zelboraf comes on the heels of approval of another drug (Yervoy) that has been shown to prolong the survival of advanced-melanoma patients. Zelboraf now provides a second option for melanoma patients with a mutated form of a protein (known as BRAF), which normally helps with cell growth. Zelboraf blocks the mutated form of the protein, which serves to slow tumor growth.
P.S. The increase in the incidence of melanoma is largely attributed to longer life expectancies among the elderly and increased use of indoor tanning by younger individuals.
The Villages Office