Authors' objectives: Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer. It is often diagnosed late and is difficult to treat once it has spread to other parts of the body. Cancer cells usually have mutations (abnormal changes) in their DNA when compared to normal cells. BRAF is a rare type of mutation found in a small number of lung cancers. Dabrafenib and trametinib are two drugs that are being given together for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. The drugs are given as two separate tablets that are taken together each day. Some studies have suggested dabrafenib and trametinib may be used as an additional treatment that may be helpful for people who have advanced non-small cell lung cancer with BRAF mutations. Studies are currently ongoing to see how well dabrafenib and trametinib work in combination and how safe they are to use. If dabrafenib and trametinib are licensed for use in the UK, they could be a new treatment option for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, which may improve survival and cause fewer side effects than current treatments (usually chemotherapy).

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2016

URL for published report: http://www.hsric.nihr.ac.uk/topics/dabrafenib-tafinlar-and-trametinib-mekinist-combination-therapy-for-advanced-braf-mutated-non-small-cell-lung-cancer/

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England, United Kingdom

Organisation Name: NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre

Contact Address: The NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre, Department of Public Health, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, 90 Vincent Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2SP. United Kingdom. Tel: +44 121 414 7831, Fax: +44 121 2269

Contact Name: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Contact Email: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Copyright: NIHR Horizon Scanning Research&Intelligence Centre (NIHR HSRIC)