GSK2118436 for brain metastases in melanoma with BRAF mutations

What's exciting about GSK2118436?

GSK2118436 is a new drug being developed by GlaxoSmithKline for patients whose tumors have BRAF mutations. Recent data from a phase 1 clinical trial revealed that the tumors of most of the patients with BRAF mutations reduced in size during the course of the trial (read more). Most significantly, early results from an ongoing phase 1/2 trial suggested that GSK2118436 may work against brain metastases in BRAF mutant melanoma patients (read more). If these results are confirmed in larger clinical trials, GSK2118436 would the first drug that works in melanoma patients with brain metastases.

What are its side effects?

Common side effects include fatigue, fevers, rash, and arthritis. A small number of patients may also develop squamous-cell carcinoma.

How can I get access to GSK2118436?

Several clinical trials are planned or ongoing to test GSK2118436 in melanoma (see table below). Of note is a new phase 2 clinical trial planned for BRAF mutant patients with metastases to the brain (see trial). In addition, a phase 3 trial was recently announced for advanced melanoma patients with BRAF mutations (see trial).