FDA Approves Gene-Targeting Skin Cancer Drug

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Food and Drug Administration has approved a first-of-a-kind drug to treat the deadliest form of skin cancer by targeting a particular genetic mutation found in about half of patients.

The pill-based drug called Zelboraf, made by Roche, is the first treatment for melanoma that targets a specific gene found in skin-cancer tumors. The FDA said Wednesday it also approved a test to screen patients for the mutation.

Melanoma is the fastest-growing form of cancer in terms of new diagnoses. Researchers attribute the acceleration to longer life expectancies among the elderly and increased indoor tanning by the young.

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