What will happen once the targeted drug Vemurafenib is stopped?

To our knowledge, there are currently no reports of sustained responses in patients with metastatic melanoma who discontinued treatment with vemurafenib. Melanoma showed rapid response after initiating a continuous dosing regimen of vemurafenib. This response continued with intermittent dosing, and the leg lesions continued to shrink until they completely disappeared. However, after stopping treatment, complete remission lasted for more than 2 years. Although the patient is in complete clinical remission, this does not mean that the melanoma has been completely eliminated.

Traditionally, treatment is continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs. Acquired resistance and toxicity are major challenges in the use of these drugs. Resistance to vemurafenib usually develops within 6-8 months. Management of drug toxicity usually involves discontinuing vemurafenib until resolution and then restarting at a lower dose, or permanently discontinuing vemurafenib therapy. The patient described in the case remains well with an ongoing complete clinical response after discontinuing intermittent treatment with vemurafenib for more than 24 months due to unacceptable toxicity. The rapid response to treatment does not necessarily rule out an underlying immune component.

Vemurafenib The original drug has been launched in China and has entered the scope of medical insurance. The price of 240mg*56 tablets per box may be around 7,000 yuan, which is very expensive. The Turkish version of Vemurafenib Original drug listed overseas, specifications240mg*56 tablets, may cost more than 2,000 yuan per box (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates), which is relatively cheap. There is currently no generic version of Vemurafenib on the market. For more drug information and specific prices, please consult a medical consultant.