BRAF, MEK and KIT inhibitors for melanoma: adverse events and their management

The introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the treatment of malignant melanoma has led to unprecedented response rates with superior overall survival rates in patients with targetable kinase mutations. Even though targeted, the effects of these new therapies are not limited to the cancer cells and induce a wide array of different adverse events (AEs). Most toxicities are mild to moderate in severity and often only affect the skin, but quality of life of patients is still affected. To prevent dose reduction and/or interruption, a sound knowledge of potential AEs and their management is required. BRAF inhibitors should not be used in patients with known RAS-mutant tumour in the medical history. We review common AEs of BRAF, MEK and KIT inhibitors used for the treatment of malignant melanoma and their management.