Vemurafenib (CAS: 918504-65-1) is a medication used for the treatment of advanced melanoma with a specific genetic mutation known as BRAF V600E. It was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2011 and has since become widely used as a targeted therapy for cancer patients with this mutation. This article will provide an overview of Vemurafenib, including its chemical properties, health benefits, potential effects, product mechanism, safety, side effects, dosing information, and a conclusion on its use.
Chemical Properties The chemical name for Vemurafenib is N-(3-{[(4-chlorophenyl)carbamoyl]amino}-2,6-difluorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide. Its molecular formula is C23H18ClF2N3O3, and it has a formula weight of 489.86 g/mol. The CAS number for this compound is 918504-65-1.
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Health Benefits Vemurafenib is primarily used for the treatment of advanced melanoma with a specific genetic mutation known as BRAF V600E. This mutation is present in about 50% of all cases of melanoma and plays a key role in the growth and spread of melanoma cells. By inhibiting the activity of mutated BRAF proteins, Vemurafenib can help slow or stop the growth and spread of melanoma cells and improve survival rates in patients with this type of cancer.
Potential Effects In clinical trials, Vemurafenib has been shown to be highly effective at reducing tumor size and improving survival rates in patients with advanced melanoma that harbors the BRAF V600E mutation. It has also been found to be well-tolerated, with few serious side effects reported. Additionally, Vemurafenib has demonstrated good pharmacokinetic properties, meaning it is well-absorbed and distributed throughout the body, and is metabolized and eliminated from the body in a predictable manner.
Product Mechanism Vemurafenib works by inhibiting the activity of mutated BRAF proteins, which are part of the MAP kinase signaling pathway that regulates cell growth and division. Specifically, it binds to and inhibits the activity of mutant BRAF proteins, preventing them from activating downstream signaling pathways that promote cell growth and division. By blocking these pathways, Vemurafenib can help slow or stop the growth and spread of melanoma cells and improve survival rates in patients with this type of cancer.
Safety Overall, Vemurafenib has been found to be safe and well-tolerated in clinical trials. However, like all medications, it does carry some risks of side effects and adverse events. Patients taking Vemurafenib should be monitored regularly for any signs of allergic reactions, liver dysfunction, or other serious side effects.
Side Effects Some of the most common side effects reported with Vemurafenib include rash, joint pain, fatigue, and hair loss. These side effects are usually mild to moderate in severity and go away on their own over time. More serious side effects, such as squamous cell carcinoma or cardiac events, are rare but can occur in some patients.
Dosing Information Vemurafenib is typically taken orally, either with or without food. The recommended dose for patients with advanced melanoma that harbors the BRAF V600E mutation is 960 mg twice daily. Patients should follow their healthcare provider's instructions carefully when taking this medication.
Conclusion Vemurafenib is a highly effective and well-tolerated medication used for the treatment of advanced melanoma with a specific genetic mutation known as BRAF V600E. As a BRAF inhibitor, it blocks the MAP kinase signaling pathway that regulates cell growth and division, thereby slowing or stopping the growth and spread of melanoma cells. While it does carry some risks of side effects and adverse events, overall, it has been found to be safe and effective in clinical trials. Patients taking Vemurafenib should work closely with their healthcare providers to ensure proper dosing and monitoring for any potential side effects
