BRAFV600E-mutant melanoma presenting with cardiac involvement

J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2014 May;12(5):611-5. doi: 10.6004/jnccn.2014.0065.

Abstract

Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with historically limited treatment options. Approximately 50% of melanomas harbor BRAF(V600) mutations. This report describes a 32-year-old man with metastatic BRAF(V600)-mutant melanoma who presented with cardiac involvement. Recently developed treatment options for patients with BRAF-mutant melanoma include BRAF inhibitors (vemurafenib, dabrafenib), MEK inhibitors (trametinib), and immune-based therapeutics (interleukin-2 or ipilimumab), but the most effective strategy for first-line therapy is heavily debated. Opinions vary for treatment selection, but the general consensus recommends immune-based therapies initially for asymptomatic patients with low-volume disease, and BRAF inhibitors for those with highly symptomatic or rapidly progressing disease. In this case, melanoma with cardiac involvement, although clinically uncommon, presents challenging management decisions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Heart Neoplasms / genetics
  • Heart Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma / complications
  • Melanoma / genetics
  • Melanoma / secondary*
  • Mutation*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / genetics*
  • Skin Neoplasms / complications
  • Skin Neoplasms / genetics
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*

Substances

  • BRAF protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf