Targeted Therapy for Melanoma

Targeted therapy uses drugs to target specific changes in cancer cells that help them grow, divide, and spread. Targeted therapy drugs are designed to be more precise. They fight cancer cells while causing less harm to other cells in the body.  

These are the latest targeted therapies that are approved to treat melanoma. New treatments become available all the time, so this may not be a complete list.

Please note: The side effects listed here do not represent a comprehensive list. It's important to discuss all potential side effects of a drug with your health care team. Be sure to tell your health care team about any side effects you do have.

All Available Treatments

Intravenous =
Pill =

Treatment Type

MEK Inhibitors

Drug Names
Cotellic® (cobimetinib) (Pill)
Mekinist® (trametinib) (Pill)
Mektovi® (binimteinib) (Pill)
Potential Side Effects
Abnormal blood tests Chills Diarrhea Eye problems Fatigue/weakness Fever Kidney problems Liver problems Low blood counts Muscle pain Nausea/vomiting Skin/nail changes Swelling Sun sensitivity
Important Things to Know
  • These drugs are used for BRAF+ melanoma.
  • Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding.
  • Muscle damage is a rare but serious side effect.

Treatment Type

BRAF Inhibitors

Drug Names
Braftovi® (encorafenib) (Pill)
Tafinlar® (dabrafenib) (Pill)
Zelboraf® (vemurafenib) (Pill)
Potential Side Effects
Abnormal blood tests Breathing problems Blood sugar changes Fatigue/weakness Hair thinning/loss Headache Joint pain/stiffness Kidney problems Nausea/vomiting Skin/nail changes Sun sensitivity Weight/appetite changes
Important Things to Know
  • These drugs are used for BRAF+ melanoma.
  • If you experience any pain, be sure to report it to your health care team.

Treatment Type

C-KIT Inhibitors

Drug Names
Gleevec® (imatinib) (Pill)
Tasigna® (nilotinib) (Pill)
Potential Side Effects
Bone pain Diarrhea Fever Headache Low blood counts Muscle cramps Nausea/vomiting Skin/nail changes Swelling
Important Things to Know
  • These drugs are used for C-KIT+ melanoma.
  • Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding.