Advanced melanoma, a pharmacological evaluation

Abstract

Background Cutaneous melanoma is an aggressive cancer that occurs in melanocytes, located in the epidermis. Historically it has a high rate of morbidity and mortality, due to the resistance and toxicity of traditional therapies. Its incidence has increased annually by 4% to 8%. Until 2011 it was still considered a devastating and almost always fatal disease in a few months. Advances in therapies have significantly improved the results of most patients with advanced melanoma, especially those with a BRAFV600 mutation, which account for almost 50% of tumors. Before the recent evolution in treatment, the prognosis and overall survival were considered very bad. The introduction of new drugs has improved progression-free survival and overall survival, as well as producing faster clinical responses. Methods Comparison of endpoints such as progression-free survival and overall melanoma survival from the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) studies of each drug in the therapeutic groups under assessment used in the disease. The variables used were the Endpoints Global Survival at various times (12 months, 24 months, 36 months and the median) and Progression-Free Survival. Results Combined immunotherapy (Nivolumab and Ipilimumab) improves overall survival and progression-free survival, achieving better results than targeted therapy. In this, the combination of a BRAF inhibitor and a MEK inhibitor, presents better results with the combination of Encorafenib and Binimetinib. Conclusions Both targeted therapy and immunotherapy transform melanoma with a dismal prognosis into a life-threatening illness.