Melanoma Drug May Speed Growth Of Other Skin Cancers

According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the melanoma drug Zelboraf (A.K.A. vemurafenib) can lead to the growth of squamous cell carcinoma skin cancer in roughly one-quarter of patients who take the medication. While vemurafenib blocks the mutation that makes the melanoma grow, many patients have skin cells with other mutation that's probably induced from sun exposure. In these cells, the drug has the exact opposite effect and causes squamous cell cancers to grow. Researchers are now examining ways to combine vemurafenib with another drug, not only prevent this side effect but potentially allow for an even more effective melanoma treatment. If you have a history of melanoma and/or have been treated with vemurafenib, it is important to see your dermatologist regularly for skin exams and cancer surveillance.