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Encorafenib + binimetinib: a profile of their combined use in treating BRAF-mutated unresectable or metastatic melanoma

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Abstract

Treatment with oral encorafenib (Braftovi®; a BRAF inhibitor) + binimetinib (Mektovi®; a MEK inhibitor) is a valuable addition to the options available to treat BRAF-mutated unresectable or metastatic melanoma in adults. The combination of encorafenib + binimetinib provided meaningful improvement with regard to progression-free survival, overall survival, clinical response and health-related quality of life relative to encorafenib and vemurafenib monotherapy in this patient population. The addition of binimetinib to encorafenib contributes to improving the efficacy and safety relative to encorafenib alone. Adverse events associated with encorafenib + binimetinib are manageable, with an overall tolerability profile largely consistent with those of other BRAF-MEK inhibitor combinations, but with some potential advantages with regard to pyrexia and photosensitivity. Adverse events that occur during encorafenib + binimetinib treatment can be managed with treatment adjustments.

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Acknowledgements

The manuscript was reviewed by: G. Liszkay, Department of Oncodermatology, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary, C. Robert, Département de Médecine Oncologique, Institute Gustave Roussy and Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France; F. Vilchez-Márquez, Department of Dermatology, Hospital de Guadix, Guadix, Spain. During the peer review process, Pierre Fabre Médicament and Array BioPharma Inc., marketing-authorization holders of encorafenib and binimetinib, were also offered an opportunity to provide a scientific accuracy review of their data. Changes resulting from comments received were made on the basis of scientific and editorial merit.

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    Katherine A. Lyseng-Williamson

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  1. Katherine A. Lyseng-Williamson
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Correspondence to Katherine A. Lyseng-Williamson.

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The preparation of this review was not supported by any external funding.

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K. A. Lyseng-Williamson is an employee of Adis/Springer, is responsible for the article content and declares no conflicts of interest.

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Lyseng-Williamson, K.A. Encorafenib + binimetinib: a profile of their combined use in treating BRAF-mutated unresectable or metastatic melanoma. Drugs Ther Perspect 35, 151–159 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40267-019-00609-9

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