A trial conducted to test GlaxoSmithKline’s two experimental skin cancer drugs has shown that the drugs are more effective in blocking pathways of tumors as compared to standard chemotherapy currently used, says a recent report.

The team of surveyors from Ohio State University has told that the drugs had the least side effects as compared to other drugs.

The study involved people with a mutation in a gene called as BRAF. It was found that the Roche drug certainly improved the survival rates of patients by four months, but later, some 19% patients developed another form of skin cancer called cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, while some others tended to grow non-malignant lesion.

However, it has been told that the Roche's Zelboraf, or vemurafenib is currently widely recommended to treat melanoma. Melanomas are the deadliest form of skin cancer and all have the genetic aberration.

The team says trametinib and dabrafenib tested in trial are effective and reduce the risk of death by 46%. Also, side effects only include eye problems or photosensitivity or high blood pressure. "The findings show that targeting the MEK molecular pathway is a viable strategy for treating many people with the disease", says Caroline Robert, head of Dermatology at the Institute Gustave Roussy in Paris.