This was a two-arm, open-label, randomized, Phase III study comparing dabrafenib (GSK2118436) and trametinib (GSK1120212) combination therapy with vemurafenib.

Screening/Subject eligibility: Subjects with histologically confirmed cutaneous melanoma that was either unresectable or metastatic (Stages IIIC or IV), were screened for eligibility. Eligible subjects were BRAF V600E or V600K mutation positive. Subjects who had prior systemic anti-cancer treatment in the advanced or metastatic setting were not eligible although prior systemic treatment in the adjuvant setting was allowed.

Randomization: A total of 704 subjects were randomized in a ratio of 1:1 to receive combination therapy (352 subjects) or vemurafenib treatment (352 subjects). Subjects were stratified by LDH level (> the ULN versus =< ULN) and BRAF mutation (V600E versus V600K).

Study treatment: Dabrafenib and trametinib were administered orally at their recommended doses of 150 mg b.i.d. and 2.0 mg once daily, respectively. Subjects randomized in the combination therapy arm received both the agents. Subjects randomized in the vemurafenib arm received vemurafenib at the recommended dose of 960 mg orally b.i.d. Subjects in both the arms continued treatment until disease progression, death, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent. The protocol was amended on 07-Aug-2014 which allowed subjects who were still receiving vemurafenib to cross over to the dabrafenib and trametinib combination arm, including those subjects who were still receiving vemurafenib monotherapy treatment after disease progression. A washout period of a minimum of 7 days was considered prior to initiating dabrafenib in combination with trametinib. Subjects who experienced disease progression on the vemurafenib monotherapy arm, discontinued vemurafenib monotherapy, and subsequently received another anticancer therapy were ineligible for cross over to the dabrafenib and trametinib combination arm.

Follow-up/Study closure: After study treatment discontinuation, subjects were followed for survival and disease progression as applicable. This study completed once all the subjects had at least the 5-years of follow-up.

Key Inclusion Criteria:

• >= 18 years of age
• Stage IIIc or Stage IV BRAF V600E/K cutaneous melanoma
• Measurable disease according to RECIST 1.1
• Women of childbearing potential with negative serum pregnancy test prior to randomisation
• Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status of 0 or 1
• Adequate baseline organ function

Key Exclusion Criteria:

• Any prior use of a BRAF or MEK inhibitor
• Prior systemic anti-cancer treatment in the advanced or metastatic setting; prior systemic treatment in the adjuvant setting is allowed
• History of another malignancy (except subjects who have been disease free for 3 years or with a history of completely resected non-melanoma skin cancer)
• Known HIV, HBV, HCV infection (except chronic or cleared HBV and HCV infection which will be allowed)
• Brain metastases (except if all known lesions were previously treated with surgery or stereotactic radiosurgery and lesions, if still present, are confirmed stable for >= 12 weeks prior to randomisation or if no longer present are confirmed no evidence of disease for >= 12 weeks, and are asymptomatic with no corticosteroid requirements for >= 4 weeks prior to randomisation, and no enzyme inducing anticonvulsants for >= 4 weeks prior to randomisation
• History or evidence of cardiovascular risk (LVEF < LLN; QTcB >= 480 msec; blood pressure or systolic >=140 mmHg or diastolic >= 90 mmHg which cannot be controlled by anti-hypertensive therapy)
• History or current evidence/risk of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) or central serous retinopathy (CSR)

Novartis is committed to sharing with qualified external researchers, access to patient-level data and supporting clinical documents from eligible studies. These requests are reviewed and approved by an independent review panel on the basis of scientific merit. All data provided is anonymized to respect the privacy of patients who have participated in the trial in line with applicable laws and regulations.

This trial data availability is according to the criteria and process described on www.clinicalstudydatarequest.com.