Preoperative BRAF inhibition in patients with irresectable locally advanced stage III melanoma

AIM: Neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced disease with BRAF inhibitors is expected to increase the likelihood of a R0 resection. We present six patients with stage III unresectable melanoma, neoadjuvantly treated with BRAF inhibitors. METHODS: Patients with unresectable, BRAF-mutated, stage III melanoma, were treated with BRAF inhibitors between 2012 and 2015. Unresectability was determined based on clinical and/or radiological findings. At maximal response, resection was performed. The specimen was reviewed to determine the degree of response. RESULTS: In five of six patients a radical resection was achieved. Postoperative complications were unremarkable. In five of six resected specimens, vital tumor tissue was found. CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant BRAF inhibitor treatment of locally advanced melanoma is feasible and has the potential to facilitate an R0 resection.