How it is administered

Dabrafenib is taken by mouth, either as capsules or as tablets for oral suspension. The standard adult dose is 150 mg (two 75 mg capsules) twice daily, taken on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal). For pediatric patients, the dose is based on body weight. The medication should be taken at the same times each day, about 12 hours apart. If vomiting occurs after taking a dose, do not take an extra dose; just take the next dose as scheduled.

How it works

Dabrafenib is a type of targeted cancer therapy known as a kinase inhibitor. It works by blocking certain proteins called BRAF kinases, specifically those with mutations like BRAF V600E. These mutated proteins can cause cancer cells to grow and divide uncontrollably. By inhibiting these proteins, dabrafenib helps to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.

Dabrafenib is particularly effective in cancers where the BRAF V600E mutation is present. It is often used in combination with another medication called trametinib, which targets a different part of the same cancer growth pathway. Using both medications together can provide a more effective blockade of the signals that allow cancer cells to grow, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients.

Who Should take it

Dabrafenib is approved for use in adults and children (1 year of age and older) with certain types of cancers that have a BRAF V600E mutation. While it is not specifically approved for hairy cell leukemia, it may be considered for blood cancers or solid tumors that have this mutation and have not responded to other treatments.

It is important that a patient's cancer is tested for the BRAF V600E mutation before starting dabrafenib. The medication is used in various cancers, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, anaplastic thyroid cancer, and some pediatric brain tumors, when the BRAF V600E mutation is present.

Who should not take it

Dabrafenib should not be used in patients whose tumors do not have a BRAF V600 mutation (so-called "wild-type" BRAF). It is also not indicated for colorectal cancer due to resistance. There are no absolute contraindications listed, but caution is needed in patients with certain health conditions, such as heart problems, eye disorders, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.

Pregnant women should not take dabrafenib, as it can harm the unborn baby. Women of childbearing age should use effective non-hormonal contraception during treatment and for 2 weeks after the last dose. Patients with known allergies to any component of dabrafenib should avoid its use.

Commonly used with

Dabrafenib is most commonly used in combination with trametinib, another targeted therapy that blocks a different protein in the same cancer growth pathway. This combination has been shown to improve outcomes in several types of cancers with BRAF V600E mutations.

It is not typically used with traditional chemotherapy, but your doctor will decide the best combination based on your specific cancer type and situation.

Commonly tested with

Dabrafenib is often tested in combination with trametinib in clinical trials for cancers with BRAF V600E mutations. These studies help determine the effectiveness and safety of the combination in different types of cancers, including solid tumors and some blood cancers.

It may also be tested alongside other targeted therapies or immunotherapies, depending on the specific trial and cancer type.