Medical Oncologist
Melanoma targeted therapy
Targeted Therapy for Melanoma: — BRAF and MEK Inhibitors
Targeted therapy for melanoma depends on a specific mutation in your tumour. A BRAF V600 mutation makes you eligible for oral combination tablets that directly block the pathway driving your cancer. The first step is testing the tumour tissue — not all melanomas carry this mutation.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Bharati Devi Gorantla, Medical Oncologist, MBBS · MD · DM (Adyar, Chennai) · ECMO · MRCP SCE (UK) · Last reviewed August 2026
- Not all melanomas qualify — Only melanomas with a confirmed BRAF V600 mutation respond to this class of treatment. Testing comes before any treatment decision.
- Oral tablets, not infusions — BRAF and MEK inhibitors are taken as daily tablets at home, not given by drip in hospital.
- Usually given together — A BRAF inhibitor and a MEK inhibitor are combined because the combination works better and delays resistance longer than either alone.
- Resistance is a known issue — Most melanomas eventually find a way around this treatment. Your team plans for that from the start.
17+
Cancer Specialists
on Panel
on Panel
96.9%
Breast Cancer
Survival Rate*
Survival Rate*
15,000+
Patients
Treated
Treated
4.8★
Google Rating
(800+ reviews)
(800+ reviews)
Targeted therapy for melanoma works when your tumour carries a BRAF V600 mutation. Your oncologist will test for this before recommending treatment. Those who carry the mutation are offered a combination of a BRAF inhibitor and a MEK inhibitor, taken as daily oral tablets.
Which mutations does your doctor test for in melanoma?
BRAF mutation testing is recommended for all patients with newly diagnosed advanced or metastatic cutaneous melanoma, according to NCCN and ESMO guidance. The most important variants are BRAF V600E and BRAF V600K. Either result makes the cancer eligible for BRAF-targeted treatment.
NRAS mutations are found in a smaller proportion of melanomas. There are currently fewer approved targeted options for NRAS-mutant melanoma, and your oncologist will explain what those are if your result comes back positive.
C-KIT mutations are seen mainly in acral melanoma — the type that appears on palms, soles, or under nails — and in mucosal melanoma. Targeted drugs that act on C-KIT exist, though the evidence base differs from the BRAF pathway.
Uveal melanoma, which starts in the eye, has a different molecular biology and does not carry BRAF V600 mutations. If you have uveal melanoma, BRAF and MEK inhibitors do not apply to your situation.
Testing is done on a sample of your tumour tissue, usually from the biopsy you have already had. Results typically take one to two weeks.
What happens from biopsy to starting treatment?
Tumour tissue is sent for molecular testing
The biopsy sample you have already had is usually enough. The laboratory analyses the DNA for BRAF and other mutations. No new procedure is generally needed at this stage.
Your oncologist reviews the results with you
If a BRAF V600 mutation is present, your oncologist will explain which combination of inhibitors is appropriate and what to expect. If no mutation is found, they will outline what the other options are.
Baseline assessments are done before you start
Blood tests and scans check the extent of the disease and your overall fitness. These results guide which combination and dose is right for you.
You begin taking tablets at home
BRAF and MEK inhibitors are oral tablets. Your team will tell you the schedule — usually once or twice daily — and what to take them with. There are no daily infusion visits.
Your team monitors you at regular intervals
Blood tests and scans happen at set points to check whether the treatment is working and to catch side effects early. Tell your team about any new symptom between appointments rather than waiting.
Meet the Specialists
17+ senior cancer specialists. One panel for your case.
Trained at AIIMS, Tata Memorial, and leading international centres. Combined 150+ years of experience. Every complex case is reviewed by 3+ of them — together.
Medical Oncologist
Dr. C. Raghavendra Reddy
MBBS(Gold Medal), DNB(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Gold Medal)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Bharati Devi Gorantla
MBBS, MD(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Adyar,Chennai), ECMO, MRCP SCE(UK)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Owais Mohammed
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DrNB (Medical Oncology), ECMO, MRCP SCE (Medical Oncology) (UK)
Medical Oncologist
Medical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Muralidhar Muddusetty
MBBS (AIIMS), MS (Surgery) (AIIMS), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (Edinburgh)
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vinay Mamidala
MBBS, MS(General Surgery), M.Ch(Surgical Oncology), FMAS, FARIS(Ongoing)
Surgical Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Hematologist
Interventional Radiologist
Dr. Mohammed Imran
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vajja Sandeep Kumar
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Surgical Oncology), FALS Oncology
Surgical Oncologist
Want a specific doctor for your case? Mention them when booking.
Book Free ConsultationBook an appointment with our specialist
Share your name and number — we'll call you back within 30 minutes to schedule your consultation.
Get a straight answer from a specialist
45 minutes, your reports reviewed, your questions answered in plain language.
What does treatment feel like day to day?
Most people take their tablets at home and continue with normal daily life between check-ups. The biggest practical difference from chemotherapy is that there are no weekly infusion visits.
Fatigue is common, particularly in the first weeks. A raised temperature — sometimes called treatment-related fever — is a side effect linked to one class of BRAF inhibitor. Your team will tell you what temperature level means calling them the same day.
Skin changes are frequent: rash, dryness, sensitivity to sunlight, and occasionally new skin lesions. Your oncologist will examine your skin at regular appointments because some of these lesions need to be checked.
Joint and muscle aches, nausea, and headache are also reported. Most are manageable and settle as your body adjusts. Report any new or worsening symptom rather than assuming it is expected.
Tell your team the same day if you notice any of these
- A fever or a temperature that feels higher than your normal
- A new rash that is spreading, blistering, or painful
- Eye pain, redness, or any sudden change in vision
- Chest pain or shortness of breath at rest
- Severe joint or muscle pain that stops you moving normally
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, or very dark urine
- A new lump or skin lesion that appears while you are on treatment
- Any side effect that makes you want to stop taking your tablets on your own
What if your melanoma does not have a BRAF mutation?
Not having a BRAF mutation does not mean you are out of options. For most patients with advanced melanoma who are not BRAF-positive, immunotherapy — checkpoint inhibitors — is the standard first-line approach recommended by NCCN and ESMO.
If your melanoma has an NRAS or C-KIT mutation, your oncologist will explain what targeted or clinical trial options exist for those specific findings.
It is also possible to lose response to BRAF and MEK inhibitors over time even if they worked well initially. When that happens, your team will review the options — which may include immunotherapy, a different drug combination, or a clinical trial.
Ask your oncologist to explain your mutation result plainly and what treatment pathway it leads to. A result that rules out one treatment is also a result that points clearly toward another.
Explore 119 more Targeted Therapy Basics, Testing & Your Cancer Type topics
Cancer-Type Specific Targeted Therapy
- CML Treatment with TKIs: Living a Normal Life Span
- Cancer of Unknown Primary: Can Molecular Testing Help?
- GIST Treatment: Why This Cancer Changed Targeted Therapy Forever
- Targeted Therapy for Bile Duct Cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma)
- Targeted Therapy for Bladder and Urothelial Cancer
- Targeted Therapy for Brain Tumours and Glioma
- Targeted Therapy for Breast Cancer: HER2, HR+ and Triple Negative
- Targeted Therapy for CLL and Lymphoma
- Targeted Therapy for Cervical and Endometrial Cancer
- Targeted Therapy for Childhood Cancers
- Targeted Therapy for Colorectal Cancer: RAS, BRAF and HER2
- Targeted Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer
- Targeted Therapy for Kidney Cancer (RCC)
- Targeted Therapy for Liver Cancer (HCC)
- Targeted Therapy for Lung Cancer: Every Mutation and Drug Explained
- Targeted Therapy for Melanoma: BRAF and MEK Inhibitors
- Targeted Therapy for Multiple Myeloma
- Targeted Therapy for Neuroendocrine Tumours
- Targeted Therapy for Ovarian Cancer: PARP Inhibitors and Beyond
- Targeted Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer: Limited but Real Options
- Targeted Therapy for Prostate Cancer
- Targeted Therapy for Sarcoma
- Targeted Therapy for Stomach and Gastroesophageal Cancer
- Targeted Therapy for Thyroid Cancer
- Targeted Therapy in AML: Beyond Standard Chemotherapy
- Tumour-Agnostic Drugs: When the Mutation Matters More Than the Organ
Before You Start - Preparation & Baseline
- 25 Questions to Ask Your Oncologist Before Starting Targeted Therapy
- Before You Start Targeted Therapy: The Complete Preparation Checklist
- Dental Check-Up Before Cancer Treatment: Why It Matters
- Financial Planning Before Starting Long-Term Targeted Therapy
- How Long After Surgery Can You Start Targeted Therapy?
- How to Store Your Targeted Therapy Tablets Correctly
- Setting Up a Dosing Routine You Won't Forget
- Should Targeted Therapy Be Taken With Food or on an Empty Stomach?
- Vaccinations Before and During Cancer Treatment
- What to Expect in Your First Month on Targeted Therapy
- Which Baseline Tests Are Done Before Starting a TKI?
- Which of Your Existing Medicines Must Stop Before Targeted Therapy
- Why You Need an ECHO and ECG Before Certain Cancer Drugs
Biomarker & Molecular Testing
- Can Mutation Testing Be Done on an Old Biopsy Block or Slides?
- Cost of NGS and Mutation Testing in India: 2026 Price Guide
- Do I Need Genetic Testing Before Starting Targeted Therapy?
- Germline vs Somatic Testing: The Difference Nobody Explains Properly
- Getting a Second Opinion on Your Genomic Report
- How Long Do Mutation Test Results Take in India? Realistic Timelines
- How to Read Your Molecular Pathology Report, Line by Line
- IHC, FISH, PCR or NGS: Which Mutation Test Is Right for Your Cancer?
- Is Mutation Testing Worth It If I Can't Afford the Drug?
- Liquid Biopsy vs Tissue Biopsy: Which Test Do You Need?
- My Report Says a Mutation Is 'Actionable': What Does That Mean?
- No Mutation Found in My Report: What Are My Options Now?
- Should I Start Chemotherapy While Waiting for Mutation Results?
- Should You Repeat Molecular Testing After Your Cancer Progresses?
- Single-Gene Test or Full Panel? How to Choose Without Wasting Money
- What Are PD-L1, TMB and MSI, and Do They Affect Targeted Therapy?
- What Does 'Variant of Uncertain Significance' (VUS) Mean?
- What Happens If There Isn't Enough Tissue for Mutation Testing?
- What Is NGS (Next-Generation Sequencing) Testing in Cancer?
- What Is a Molecular Tumour Board and Why Should You Want One?
- Which Cancers Should Always Be Tested for Mutations? A Checklist
- ctDNA and MRD Testing: Tracking Cancer Through a Blood Test
Foundations & How Targeted Therapy Works
- Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Targeted Therapy: Treatment Before or After Surgery
- Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs): The Smart Bombs of Cancer Treatment
- Biosimilars and Generic Targeted Therapy Drugs: What They Are
- Can Targeted Therapy Be Combined with Chemotherapy or Radiation?
- Can Targeted Therapy Cure Cancer? An Honest Answer
- First-Line, Second-Line and Beyond: How Treatment Lines Work
- How Doctors Decide Between Chemo, Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy
- How Does Targeted Therapy Actually Work? Explained Without Jargon
- How Long Does Targeted Therapy Take to Start Working?
- Is Targeted Therapy Painful? What the Treatment Actually Feels Like
- Is Targeted Therapy a Type of Chemotherapy? Clearing Up the Confusion
- Oral Tablets vs IV Infusion Targeted Therapy: What's the Difference?
- Precision Oncology vs Personalised Medicine: Are They the Same Thing?
- Targeted Therapy Success Rates: What the Numbers Really Mean
- Targeted Therapy for Stage 4 Cancer: What You Can Realistically Expect
- Targeted Therapy vs Chemotherapy: 12 Differences That Actually Matter
- Targeted Therapy vs Immunotherapy: Which One Is Right for You?
- The 8 Main Types of Targeted Therapy Drugs (With Examples)
- What Do Cancer Drug Endings Like -nib, -mab and -tinib Mean?
- What Is Targeted Therapy for Cancer? A Complete Patient Guide
- Which Cancers Can Be Treated with Targeted Therapy? Full List
- Why Didn't My Doctor Recommend Targeted Therapy for Me?
Mutation & Target-Specific Pages
- ALK-Positive Lung Cancer: Drugs, Response and What Comes Next
- Antiangiogenic Drugs (VEGF Inhibitors): How Starving a Tumour Works
- BCR-ABL and the Philadelphia Chromosome in CML
- BRAF V600E Mutation: Targeted Therapy Across Multiple Cancers
- BRCA vs HRD Testing: Which One Determines PARP Inhibitor Eligibility?
- BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations in Cancer Treatment: PARP Inhibitors
- BTK Inhibitors in CLL and Lymphoma
- CD20, CD38 and Other Antibody Targets in Blood Cancers
- CDK4/6 Inhibitors in Hormone-Positive Breast Cancer
- Co-Mutations: When You Have Two Mutations at Once
- EGFR Exon 20 Insertion: Why It's Different and Harder to Treat
- EGFR Mutation in Lung Cancer: Complete Patient Guide
- ESR1 Mutation: Why Your Hormone Therapy Stopped Working
- FGFR Alterations in Bladder and Bile Duct Cancer
- FLT3 Mutation in AML: What It Means for Your Prognosis
- HER2 Mutation in Lung and Gastric Cancer
- HER2-Low Breast Cancer: A New Category That Changes Treatment
- HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: The Full Targeted Therapy Roadmap
- IDH1 and IDH2 Mutations in Glioma, AML and Bile Duct Cancer
- KIT and PDGFRA Mutations in GIST
- KRAS G12C Mutation: The Target That Was Undruggable for 40 Years
- KRAS Mutation but Not G12C: What Are My Options?
- MET Exon 14 Skipping and MET Amplification Explained
- MSI-High and Mismatch Repair Deficiency: Testing and Treatment
- NRG1, MET, RET and Other Rare Fusions: Where to Get Tested
- NTRK Fusion: One Drug for Many Different Cancers
- Osimertinib: What to Expect, Side Effects and How Long It Works
- PALB2, ATM and Other BRCA-Like Genes: Do They Get the Same Drugs?
- PIK3CA Mutation in Breast Cancer: Alpelisib and What to Expect
- PSMA and AR-Targeted Therapy in Prostate Cancer
- RET Fusion Cancer: Lung, Thyroid and Beyond
- ROS1-Positive Cancer: A Rare Mutation with Excellent Options
- TP53 Mutation: Why There's Still No Targeted Drug for It
- Understanding Variant Allele Frequency (VAF) in Your Report
- What If My Mutation Has No Approved Drug Yet?
- mTOR Inhibitors in Cancer: Everolimus and Temsirolimus
Next step
Still not sure what applies to you?
Send your reports across and a senior medical oncologist will go through what they mean, what is known, and what the options actually are.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How long will I need to take these tablets?
Treatment continues for as long as it is working and the side effects are manageable. There is no fixed course length the way there is with chemotherapy cycles. Most melanomas eventually develop resistance to BRAF and MEK inhibitors, and your oncologist plans for that possibility from the start. Scans at regular intervals show whether the treatment is still controlling the disease. If it stops working, your team will discuss what comes next, which often includes immunotherapy.
Can BRAF and MEK inhibitors be combined with immunotherapy?
In some situations, yes, though the evidence on combining all three at once is still developing. NCCN and ESMO guidance focuses primarily on using a BRAF inhibitor and a MEK inhibitor together as a pair, and on sequencing them with immunotherapy rather than giving everything simultaneously. Whether combination or sequencing is right for you depends on your stage, fitness, and how the disease is behaving. Your oncologist will explain the reasoning behind the order they recommend.
Is targeted therapy for melanoma available at CION?
Yes. BRAF and MEK inhibitor treatment is administered as day care at CION centres, which means no overnight stay is needed for most appointments. Imaging used to assess your response — including PET-CT — is coordinated with partner imaging centres. Your oncologist will confirm which combination is appropriate once your biomarker results are available.
Can I take herbal supplements or other medicines alongside these tablets?
Tell your oncology team before taking anything new — including herbal preparations and medicines bought without a prescription. Some interact with BRAF and MEK inhibitors in ways that reduce how well they work or increase side effects. This is a check to keep the treatment working as intended, not a blanket restriction on everything. If your team has already told you a particular medicine is fine for you, follow that advice.
Do these drugs work for all types of melanoma?
No. BRAF and MEK inhibitors apply only to cutaneous melanoma — the type that starts in the skin — with a confirmed BRAF V600 mutation. They are not used for uveal melanoma, which starts in the eye and has different molecular biology. Acral and mucosal melanomas carry different mutation profiles and are managed differently. Your oncologist will tell you which type you have and what treatment pathway that leads to.
What should I ask at my next appointment?
Ask three specific things: what your BRAF mutation result was and what it means for your treatment options; if you are already on treatment, what your next scan will tell the team and when it is scheduled; and what the plan is if the current treatment stops working. Writing the answers down during the appointment helps, because these conversations are hard to recall afterwards. It is entirely reasonable to ask for the mutation result in writing.