The genesis of Zelboraf: targeting mutant B-Raf in melanoma

J Cell Biol. 2012 Oct 1;199(1):15-9. doi: 10.1083/jcb.201205167.

Abstract

The protein kinase B-Raf is a critical component of the Ras/MAPK signaling pathway. An oncogenic B-Raf mutation that constitutively activates the kinase was identified in ~50% of melanoma patients and in other cancers. A structure-guided drug discovery approach enabled the development of Zelboraf, a targeted inhibitor of oncogenic B-Raf. This drug has been used successfully in the clinic to treat metastatic melanoma patients harboring B-Raf mutations.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
  • Humans
  • Indoles / adverse effects
  • Indoles / pharmacology*
  • Melanoma / drug therapy*
  • Melanoma / genetics*
  • Mutation*
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / metabolism
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Sulfonamides / adverse effects
  • Sulfonamides / pharmacology*
  • Vemurafenib

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Indoles
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Sulfonamides
  • Vemurafenib
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf