Zelboraf (Vemurafenib) for Lung Cancer

Overview
Zelboraf is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of metastatic or unresectable melanoma with a BRAF V600E mutation and for Erdheim-Chester Disease with a BRAF V600 mutation. It is also sometimes used off-label for treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in individuals with the BRAF V600 mutation when standard treatments have failed or are not suitable​​​​. Studies have shown that vemurafenib can be effective in treating NSCLC with this specific mutation, although it is not effective for individuals with other types of BRAF mutations​​. Zelboraf is also known by its generic name, vemurafenib.

Zelboraf is a kinase inhibitor that specifically targets and inhibits the activity of the mutated BRAF V600 protein. This action blocks abnormal signaling pathways, reducing the growth and spread of cancer cells. By interfering with the function of this protein, vemurafenib may slow down or stop the progression of tumors with the mutation​​​​.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Zelboraf is taken orally as a tablet. The recommended dosing schedule is twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart, and it can be taken with or without food. It is essential to take Zelboraf exactly as prescribed by a health care provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Zelboraf include joint pain, rash, hair loss, fatigue, photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to sunlight), nausea, itching, and the development of skin papillomas (wartlike growths)​​.

Rare but serious side effects may include new cutaneous malignancies (skin cancers), non-cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer), severe hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis), severe dermatologic (skin) reactions, QT prolongation (a heart rhythm condition), hepatotoxicity (liver damage), photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to sunlight), serious ophthalmologic reactions (eye disorders), embryo-fetal toxicity (damage to an embryo, fetus, or unborn child), radiation sensitization and recall, renal failure (kidney failure), Dupuytren’s contracture (hand deformity), plantar fascial fibromatosis (foot deformity)​​.

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Label: Zelboraf — Vemurafenib Tablet, Film Coated — DailyMed

Vemurafenib — StatPearls