The Risk of Dermatological Toxicities of Combined BRAF and MEK Inhibition Versus BRAF Inhibition Alone in Melanoma Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This meta-analysis, which included 8 trials with 3,163 melanoma patients, assessed the dermatological toxicities of combined BRAF and MEK inhibition versus BRAF inhibition alone. The study found that combined treatment increased the risk of all-grade rash (RR 1.59) but decreased the risk of all-grade and high-grade hyperkeratosis, skin papilloma, alopecia, cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma, hand-foot syndrome, and photosensitivity reaction compared to BRAF inhibition alone. The findings suggested that while combined therapy posed a higher risk for rash, it reduced the likelihood of other dermatological toxicities, highlighting the need for appropriate prevention and management strategies.