targeted-therapy
BRAF + MEK combinations
BRAF plus MEK combinations are a major targeted-therapy category when melanoma has a qualifying BRAF V600 mutation. They are not NRAS-targeted options.
Used in care guidelinesBRAF V600United Statesvaries elsewhere
What this is
These combinations target the MAPK pathway in BRAF V600 melanoma. They are grouped here so families can separate BRAF-targeted therapy from NRAS MEK-inhibitor research.
Why it may come up
- The pathology/genomic report says BRAF V600E, BRAF V600K, or another qualifying BRAF V600 alteration.
- The care team is comparing immunotherapy timing with targeted therapy timing.
- A patient has fast-moving disease and the team is discussing treatment categories with different response timing.
What not to assume
- It does not apply to NRAS-only melanoma.
- It does not mean every BRAF alteration qualifies.
- It does not mean sequencing with immunotherapy has one universal answer.
- Evidence level
- guideline-backed
- Where
- United States, varies elsewhere
- Mutation result
- BRAF V600
- Last checked
- 2026-05-21
- Review status
- source backed page
Plain-English summary
These combinations target the MAPK pathway in BRAF V600 melanoma. They are grouped here so families can separate BRAF-targeted therapy from NRAS MEK-inhibitor research.
What the sources say
- NCI and FDA-linked sources list multiple BRAF/MEK drug combinations in melanoma contexts.
- These records depend on a qualifying BRAF V600 result, not simply on having melanoma.
- They can be part of adjuvant, unresectable, metastatic, or sequencing conversations depending on stage and country label.
When this commonly comes up
- The pathology/genomic report says BRAF V600E, BRAF V600K, or another qualifying BRAF V600 alteration.
- The care team is comparing immunotherapy timing with targeted therapy timing.
- A patient has fast-moving disease and the team is discussing treatment categories with different response timing.
What this does not mean
- It does not apply to NRAS-only melanoma.
- It does not mean every BRAF alteration qualifies.
- It does not mean sequencing with immunotherapy has one universal answer.
Important cautions
- Confirm the exact BRAF variant from the report.
- Ask whether the combination is being considered for adjuvant, unresectable, metastatic, or trial context.
- Do not mix BRAF/MEK evidence into NRAS-specific pages.
Questions to ask
- What exact BRAF variant is documented?
- Is targeted therapy being compared with immunotherapy or used after another treatment?
- Which BRAF/MEK pair is being discussed, and what country label applies?
- Would starting targeted therapy affect trial timing?