Experts say combined targeted therapy against the BRAF/MAPK pathway with immunotherapy shows promise as a new approach for the treatment of melanoma.

"Our results provide preclinical evidence for the rational combination of BRAF-targeted therapy and immunotherapy in the treatment of this most dangerous type of skin cancer," lead researcher Jennifer A. Wargo, M.D., from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, was quoted as saying.

"By blocking the oncogenic BRAF, tumor antigen expression may be restored. This would make the melanoma tumors susceptible to strategies incorporating immunotherapy," she said.

Previous studies show melanoma treatment with selective BRAF inhibitors are effective and result in a high initial response rate, but the response is temporary. An alternative approach would be to combine other agents and extend the duration of treatment response.

Results of this study provide a basis for combining this type of therapy with immunotherapy, with the goal of improving durability of responses.

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