BRAF

Melanoma treatment response

Targeting the interaction between melanoma and immune cells could improve responses to targeted cancer therapies, Vanderbilt researchers found.

“Idling” cancer cells may return

Vanderbilt investigators have discovered that cancer treatment induces an “idling” state for cells, which could promote resistance to treatment.

PET imaging to predict tumor response

A PET probe that detects the amino acid glutamine predicts whether tumors respond to certain targeted therapies in preclinical animal models.

Investigators find clues to melanoma treatment resistance

Nearly half of all patients with malignant melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, have a mutation in the BRAF gene found in their tumors. Mutations in the BRAF gene turn on a cancer growth switch known as the MAP kinase pathway.

Combined drug therapy may delay melanoma progression

Combination therapy with two drugs delayed the development of treatment resistance in patients with metastatic melanoma that expresses a specific mutation in the BRAF gene.

Study finds mutation in melanoma sensitive to drug

An uncommon mutation of the BRAF gene in melanoma patients has been found to respond to a specific drug therapy, providing a rationale for routine screening and therapy in melanoma patients who harbor the BRAF L597 mutation.