Reminds me of Curis (CRIS) GDC-0449 with what they were able to achieve in their 50 person trial in Basal Cell Carcinoma. (Take a look at the NEJM article and pictures - QUITE amazing). -CRIS problem now is their drug has been pathetic in 2 major indications NOT driven by the hedgehog mutation.
I am gratified for the recent promising treatments for melanoma. I can only dream that recent developements will pan out for people who suffer from Metastatic melanoma .
What does <PLX4032 blocks the BRAF protein at the cellular level, allowing researchers to test whether starving the melanomas of the gene would shrink patients' tumors.> mean?
Nexavar inhibits the BRAF kinase, as well as other kinases. Is the new drug (PLX4032) a kinase inhibitor?
PLX4032 (BRAF Inhibitor in melanoma) - It may have spectacular efficacy, but it is has some nasty side effects:
"Among the 48 patients treated in the dose-escalation and extension cohorts, 18 patients developed cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in sun exposed areas of the skin (primarily keratoacanthoma subtype) "
Interesting question is whether the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma can be avoided just by rigorously avoiding the sun - or is it previous sun damage that is turned into squamous cell carcinoma?
Note that obviously, regardless of the answer to the question about minimizing squamous cell carcinoma, it is very likely to end up being a useful drug.
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