BRAF mutation

BRAF mutation is a common genetic change in cancer. The most common BRAF mutation is the so-called BRAF V600E mutation.

General

• Clinical implication: BRAF inhibitors (e.g. vemurafenib) are used to treat BRAF mutation positive tumours.

Prevalence

BRAF mutations by tumour type:

• BRAF mutations in ~ 50% of melanomas; respond to BRAF inhibitors.
• BRAF mutations in ~ 10% of colorectal tumours.
  • Poor prognosticator, poor response to chemotherapy, typically right sided tumours.
• BRAF mutations in ~45-50% of papillary thyroid carcinoma.
• BRAF mutations in ~3% of lung adenocarcinomas.

See also

• BRAF V600E mutation.
• KRAS mutation.