Meqsel 2 mg contains Trametinib, a targeted anti-cancer medicine classified as a MEK inhibitor (Mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibitor).
It is primarily used in the treatment of certain types of melanoma (a serious form of skin cancer) and other cancers that carry specific genetic mutations. Available in oral tablet form, Meqsel provides a convenient way to help control cancer growth by interfering with critical cellular pathways.

Mechanism of Action

Trametinib selectively inhibits MEK1 and MEK2, key proteins in the MAPK (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase) pathway, also known as the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway.

• Many cancers have mutations (especially in the BRAF gene) that cause this pathway to be overactive, driving uncontrolled cell growth and survival.

• By blocking MEK1 and MEK2 activity, trametinib disrupts this signalling cascade, slowing tumour cell proliferation and inducing cancer cell death.

In patients with BRAF V600E or V600K mutations, trametinib is often used alone or in combination with a BRAF inhibitor (like dabrafenib) to achieve a more robust effect.

Uses / Indications

Meqsel is indicated for the treatment of:

• Unresectable or metastatic melanoma with a BRAF V600E or V600K mutation, either as monotherapy or in combination with dabrafenib.

• Adjuvant treatment (post-surgery) of melanoma with BRAF mutations to reduce the risk of recurrence.

• Sometimes also used in BRAF-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and anaplastic thyroid cancer, under specific oncologist guidance.

Patients must undergo molecular testing to confirm the presence of a BRAF mutation before starting therapy, ensuring that trametinib is likely to be effective.

Adverse Effects

While trametinib has transformed outcomes for many patients, it can lead to side effects that require monitoring.
Common side effects include:

• Skin issues: rash, acne-like eruptions, dry skin, itching.

• Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort.

• Swelling (peripheral oedema), often in the ankles or feet.

• Fatigue, headache.

Important but less common side effects:

• Heart function changes (reduced ejection fraction) — requiring periodic echocardiograms.

• Eye problems (blurred vision, retinal vein occlusion) — report sudden visual changes immediately.

• Lung inflammation (pneumonitis) or serious skin reactions (like Stevens-Johnson syndrome), though rare.

Your oncology team will schedule regular heart, eye, and skin checks, along with blood tests to monitor your health during treatment.