Abstract
Background:It is unknown whether melanoma patients achieving complete response (CR) with targeted therapy can safely discontinue treatment.Methods:All patients treated with BRAF/MEK inhibitors achieving CR and ceasing treatment before progression were identified. Clinical data at treatment initiation, cessation and progression were examined.Results:A total of 12 eligible patients were identified, with median follow-up of 16 months, of whom 6 (50%) recurred at a median of 6.6 months after treatment cessation. One patient lost to follow-up until presentation with symptomatic recurrence was the only relapser to die. At relapse, the remaining five patients had an LDH <1.2 times ULN, four were ECOG 0 and one ECOG 1. Baseline characteristics and time to CR and to discontinuation did not influence the rate of relapse.Conclusions:A large proportion of patients achieving CR with BRAF/MEK inhibitors relapse after treatment cessation. The optimal treatment duration in such patients is unclear, particularly where alternative treatments are available.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1280-1284 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | British Journal of Cancer |
Volume | 115 |
Issue number | 11 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 22 Nov 2016 |
Keywords
- melanoma
- BRAF inhibitors
- MEK inhibitors
- complete response
- duration of response
- treatment cessation