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Abstract Background Fixed tissues are the standard samples used in routine practice for molecular testing. But sometimes tissues are lacking or difficult to obtain. In these cases, circulating tumor DNA released from tumor cells can be used as an alternative source of tumor DNA. Case presentation We present the case of a 63-year-old Caucasian woman with a metastatic melanoma and a very poor performance status. A plasma sample was tested and the BRAF p.V600E mutation was detected. Based on this result, a treatment combining a BRAF inhibitor and a MEK inhibitor was immediately started. This patient achieved a complete response. In addition, by repeating the plasma test, we could obtain a precise kinetic of release of mutated BRAF DNA in plasma. Conclusions We report here for the first time the efficient treatment of a metastatic melanoma patient on the basis of circulating tumor DNA analysis. This urgent treatment provided a dramatic response in a patient with a very poor initial condition. The kinetic data most likely reflect treatment efficacy.