The condition and the treatment
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. It is known as unresectable when it can't be completely removed by surgery, and metastatic if it has spread to other parts of the body. One type of melanoma has a change in the cells called the 'BRAF V600 mutation'. This makes it produce too much BRAF protein, and this protein makes the cancer cells grow and divide.
Dabrafenib (also known as Tafinlar) is a drug that works by stopping cells producing the BRAF protein. It can slow down the growth of the cancer. Dabrafenib is only for melanoma that has been tested and found to have the BRAF V600 mutation.
NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk) may be a good place to find out more.