Introduction: Approximately 40-50% of patients with cutaneous melanoma harbor point mutations in BRAF. BRAF and MEK inhibitors in combination are now a standard therapy for advanced BRAF V600-mutated melanoma. Nevertheless, survival rates with the combination are limited, highlighting the need for further therapeutic improvement and strategies to overcome primary and acquired resistance.
Areas covered: Encorafenib, a highly selective BRAF inhibitor, was developed in combination with binimetinib, a potent, selective allosteric MEK1/2 inhibitor, to improve efficacy and tolerability over other approved combo-targeted therapies. This novel combination shows peculiar pharmacodynamic properties which translate in a higher on-target potency and paradox index. Consistent survival improvements for encorafenib and binimetinib in BRAF V600-mutated melanoma have been confirmed in clinical trials, with over 4 years of median follow up.
Expert opinion: the favorable survival results and the attractive toxicity profile suggest that encorafenib and binimetinib combination is an intriguing standard option when targeted therapies are considered as first line treatment in BRAF mutated melanoma patients. In the near future, results from ongoing clinical trials will provide information on the use of this novel combination in specific situation, including as adjuvant treatment or as a combination strategy.
Keywords: Encorafenib; binimetinib; braf; mek; melanoma; targeted therapy.