MEK inhibition and immune responses in advanced melanoma

Abstract

phase II and III clinical trials demonstrated modest anti- tumor activity of Binimetinib (MEK162) - a potent allosteric inhibitor of MEK1 and MEK2- in patients with advanced NRAS mutant melanoma. The analysis of the NEMO study in NRAS mutated melanoma, has shown that pre-treatment with immunotherapy improved the outcome of binimetinib therapy. We discuss this finding in the context of in vitro and in vivo effects of MEK inhibition on immuno-critical pathways and interactions.