Hi KB,
Sorry you are having to deal with all this. To the first issue…what is BRAF? Here is a post I put together a bit ago that explains: https://chaoticallypreciselifeloveandmelanoma.blogspot.com/2014/02/braf-inhibitors-for-melanoma-dabrafenib.html
Since that time there are more drugs used to treat BRAF positive patients. BRAF inhibitors are always given with a MEK inhibitor because in doing that side effects are decreased as is tumor "work around".
Here is a primer I put together about current melanoma treatments that will give you more information:
https://chaoticallypreciselifeloveandmelanoma.blogspot.com/2017/08/melanoma-intel-primer-for-current.html
There is also a link to a list of acronyms frequently used in melanoma included at the bottom.
If you are Stage 3, then the kind of treatment you are seeking is referred to as adjuvant therapy. BRAF therapy (known as targeted therapy) is being used in trials for that purpose, but there are already FDA approved immunotherapies for adjuvant therapy as well. Here is a link to tons of posts and articles regarding adjuvant therapy in melanoma (both targeted and immunotherapy):
https://chaoticallypreciselifeloveandmelanoma.blogspot.com/search?q=adjuvant
So….you have good options. Clinical trials come with their own issues. I am certain one saved my life, but you have to be clear on what you are signing up for.
Many on this forum have taken all the drugs I've addressed here including Dabrafenib/trametinib. I am sure there will be more responses. I hope this helps. Ask more questions as you have the need. I wish you my best. Celeste
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