Cancer Rx Combo Gets Green Light

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two new cancer treatments.

These new treatments are Tafinlar (dabrafenib) and Mekinist (trametinib). The FDA approved both medications to treat a certain type of advanced lung cancer.

The agency has approved these medications to be used together to treat advanced (metastatic) non-small cell lung cancer in those with a type of abnormal “BRAF” gene. In this case, these medications are for those with a BRAF V600E mutation. This mutation must be confirmed by an FDA-approved test before treatment is started.

This approval comes after a clinical trial showed a strong response rate to these medications.

Dabrafenib is available in capsule form and is to be taken twice a day (12 hours apart). Trametinib is available in tablet form and is to be taken once a day. Both of these medications are to be taken at least one hour before or at least two hours after a meal.

Common side effects include fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Speak with your health care provider about the available treatments for lung cancer.

The FDA granted approval to Tafinlar and Mekinist for Novartis Pharmaceuticals.