BRAF mutation as a biomarker in colorectal cancer

Abstract

Nearly 10% of colorectal cancers (CRCs) harbor mutations in BRAF. While cytotoxic chemotherapy remains central to the treatment for patients with metastatic CRC, there is a growing understanding that CRC is comprised of molecularly and clinically distinct populations. BRAF-mutant CRC is one such subset. We are learning more about the complexity of BRAFmutant CRCs and the ways in which patients with BRAF-mutant CRCs may or may not benefit from targeted therapies. This article reviews the role of BRAF as a biomarker in CRC and its implications for treatment.

Biomarkers in colorectal cancer: Current clinical utility and future perspectives

“…Therapeutic strategies for stage I, II, and III disease includes surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy only for selected patients with stage II and most patients with stage III CRC, and radiotherapy for patients with stage II and III rectal cancers[2,3]. Palliative therapies are used for patients with metastasis or stage IV colorectal cancers that are not resectable; in these patients, the objective is to control symptoms and increase survival[4]. CRC has poor prognosis and there is a crucial need for new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers to avoid CRC-related deaths[5].…”