# COLUMBUS: encorafenib plus binimetinib versus vemurafenib or encorafenib in BRAF-mutant melanoma

Source: https://onco.cc/key-papers/paper-columbus-lancet-oncol-2018/  
OnCo record `paper-columbus-lancet-oncol-2018` (Key paper). Data CC BY-NC 4.0, attribute "Data from OnCo (onco.cc)"; commercial use needs a licence.

## TL;DR

The third BRAF-MEK combination, encorafenib plus binimetinib, delayed progression more than vemurafenib and produced the longest median survival of any targeted regimen in BRAF-mutant melanoma, with less fever than dabrafenib-trametinib.

## Summary

Phase 3 trial of 577 patients with advanced BRAF V600-mutant melanoma randomised to encorafenib plus binimetinib, encorafenib alone or vemurafenib alone.

Median progression-free survival was 14.9 months with the combination against 7.3 months with vemurafenib (hazard ratio 0.54), and median overall survival 33.6 versus 16.9 months on later analysis; the combination had a distinct toxicity profile with less pyrexia and photosensitivity.

## Fields

- Kind: Key paper
- Last checked: 2026-09-17
- Journal: The Lancet Oncology
- Year: 2018
- DOI: 10.1016/S1470-2045(18)30142-6
- Authors: Dummer R, Ascierto PA, Gogas HJ, et al.
- Findings: Median progression-free survival 14.9 vs 7.3 months; hazard ratio 0.54.; Median overall survival 33.6 vs 16.9 months.
- What it means: Encorafenib-binimetinib is one of three standard BRAF-MEK doublets for advanced melanoma and is often chosen for its tolerability.
- Caveats: Open-label; vemurafenib monotherapy is a dated comparator.

## Sources

- Lancet Oncol 2018: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(18)30142-6
- PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29573941/

## Connected records

- cancers: [BRAF V600-mutant melanoma](https://onco.cc/cancers/braf-v600-melanoma/)
- drugs: [Binimetinib](https://onco.cc/drugs/binimetinib/), [Encorafenib](https://onco.cc/drugs/encorafenib/), [Vemurafenib](https://onco.cc/drugs/vemurafenib/)
- trials: [COLUMBUS](https://onco.cc/trials/columbus/)
- journals: [The Lancet Oncology](https://onco.cc/journals/lancet-oncology/)

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