Targeted therapies can be used for melanomas with mutations in certain genes. Approximately 50% of melanomas have a mutation in the BRAF gene. If gene mutations have been identified, medication can be used to specifically target these gene mutations to slow or stop cancer cells growing.

Targeted treatments include: 38,47,51

• Dabrafenib (Tafinlar^®) and Trametinib (Mekinist^®): Dabrafenib is a medication that blocks the activity of the cancerous gene mutation BRAF Trametinib blocks the activity of a protein called MEK. They are used in combination for melanoma with the BRAF V600 mutation to prevent melanoma returning or treat melanoma that has spread or can't be removed by surgery. Dabrafenib and Trametinib are both tablets that can be taken at home.
• Vemurafenib (Zelboraf^®) and Cobimetinib (Cotellic^®): Vemurafenib blocks the activity of BRAF V600. Cobimetinib blocks the activity of MEK. They can be used to treat melanoma with the BRAF V600 mutation that has spread or can't be removed by surgery. Vemurafenib and Cobimetinib are both tablets that can be taken at home.

You may want to ask your doctor these questions about targeted therapy:

• Why is targeted therapy recommended for me?
• How long will I be on treatment for?
• Do I need to go to the hospital to have my treatment?
• How will I know if the treatment is working?
• What side effects could I experience? How will they be managed?
• Are there any long-term side effects?

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