Tafinlar (dabrafenib) is used, in combination with another medication called Mekinist (trametinib), to treat a specific type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This type of NSCLC must have spread to other parts of the body (metastatic) and contain a specific abnormal "BRAF V600E" gene mutation.
Here's a breakdown:
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): The most common type of lung cancer.
- Metastatic NSCLC: NSCLC that has spread from the lungs to other areas of the body.
- BRAF V600E Mutation: A specific genetic mutation within the BRAF gene. Tafinlar, when used with Mekinist, targets this mutated protein, helping to stop or slow cancer growth.
In summary, Tafinlar is a targeted therapy that works by inhibiting the activity of the mutated BRAF V600E protein in NSCLC, leading to reduced tumor growth and improved outcomes for patients with this specific type of cancer. It's crucial that patients are tested for the BRAF V600E mutation before starting treatment with Tafinlar and Mekinist.
