Mektovi (Binimetinib)

Description

Binimetinib

It is a targeted cancer therapy used mainly in combination treatments for certain types of advanced melanoma.

What it is used for

Mektovi is prescribed primarily for:

• Unresectable or metastatic melanoma (skin cancer that cannot be removed by surgery or has spread)
• Especially in patients whose tumors have a BRAF V600 mutation
• It is usually used together with another targeted drug called Braftovi

This combination blocks two key proteins in the cancer growth pathway (BRAF and MEK), helping slow or stop tumor progression.

How it works

Mektovi is a MEK inhibitor. MEK is part of the MAPK signaling pathway, which helps regulate cell growth. In many cancers, this pathway is overactive due to mutations like BRAF V600.

By blocking MEK, Mektovi:

• Reduces cancer cell growth signals
• Slows tumor progression
• Can shrink tumors in some patients

Common side effects

Some of the more frequently reported side effects include:

• Fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rash or skin changes
• Swelling (especially in legs)
• Increased creatine phosphokinase (muscle enzyme)

Serious risks (important)

Mektovi can sometimes cause serious complications, such as:

• Heart problems (reduced heart pumping function)
• Eye problems (blurred vision, retinal detachment)
• Lung inflammation
• Bleeding risks
• Liver abnormalities

Regular monitoring (heart, eye exams, and blood tests) is usually required during treatment.

How it is taken

• Taken orally (by mouth), usually twice daily
• Often part of a combination regimen with encorafenib
• Dose adjustments may be needed based on side effects

Key takeaway

Mektovi is not a general chemotherapy drug—it is a precision targeted therapy designed for cancers with specific genetic mutations, making it more focused but still requiring careful medical supervision.