Dabrafenib and Trametinib for BRAF-Mutated Conjunctival Melanoma

Abstract

Background: Conjunctival melanoma is a potentially lethal malignancy of the ocular surface. There have been no therapeutic advancements made in the past several decades despite increasing prevalence of the disease. Methods: The authors report the case of a 52-year-old Caucasian male with unresectable, recurrent conjunctival melanoma with V600 BRAF mutation who was treated with systemic BRAF/MEK inhibition. Results: There was complete regression of local disease within the first 9 months. The patient remains without local recurrence or systemic metastasis at 1 year. Conclusion: This is the first reported case of conjunctival melanoma with complete response to BRAF/MEK inhibition. As long as targeted therapy remains an option, patients with conjunctival melanoma should undergo mutational profiling of their tumor.