As high activity of ERK1/2 may increase the level of NOXA and stability of MCL-1 and reduce the stability of BIM, differences in the level of ERK1/2 activity between different melanomas resistant to trametinib as well as alterations in ERK1/2 activity induced by the termination of treatment might impact the pro-survival status of melanoma cells and outcome of the pharmacological inhibition of MCL-1. The gene discussed is BCL2L11; the disease is melanoma.