Starting targeted chemo treatment for malignant melanoma

I'm about to start targeted chemo for malignant melanoma and will be getting Dabrafanib and Trametinib.

Anyone else had/having this?

What were and how bad were the side affects?

Any comments welcomed.

  • Hello Nigel55, 

    I hope your treatment goes well and that you won't need to wait long to start targeted chemotherapy. I thought I would share with you our information on Dabrafanib and Trametinib which also includes details of common and occasional side effects you may encounter.

    I hope you won't mind but I have added the words 'malignant melanoma' to the title of your thread to make it more specific. This will help others who have been affected by melanoma spot your thread more easily and hopefully respond with their own experiences. 

    I will also mention the lovely [@AngieT]‍  who has extensive experience of melanoma - I am not sure whether she has heard about this targeted chemotherapy combination but she would be a great person for you to talk to. 

    Our nurses are also available on this free number 0808 800 4040 if there is anything you would like to ask them about your treatment. You can talk to them Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

    I hope everything goes well with the start of your treatment. Let us know how you get on with it if you get a chance! 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Thanks Lucie

    l have started taking them this morning.

    l have seen that AngieT has put a great deal on here.

    l'll let all on here how l get on.

    Nigel

  • Hi Nigel,

    Sorry for my late reply. I, myself, haven't had any drug therapy as I was diagnosed Stage 3 many years before it was available. However, I do know a few people who have had  or are currently on Dab/Tram. I will send you a friend request so that I can share some information in a private message.

    All the best,

    Angie

  • Hi Angie

    Thanks for your response, l've seen that you're very active on the forum.

    l've been on the tablets for 2 weeks now and have started to have a few side effects. Some nausea around 5-6 hours after taking the tablets and generally a headache in the morning. This weekend the headache was terrible and has lasted 30 hours or so.

    ls this the same sort of things others have experienced on this therapy?

    l understand that it's only been used for a couple of years?

    There was a re-lesion on my PET scan and they're not sure if it's melanoma. It's the other shoulder from my original tumour which is a bit worrying.

    Thought l'd update you

    Nigel