Cells throughout the body carry a gene called BRAF. The BRAF gene makes a protein that works like a hall monitor for cells that are growing, dividing, and moving throughout a certain “hallway” (called the RAS/MAPK pathway). These proteins are also sending reports from the surface of a cell to the center (the nucleus) and telling the cell what to do and how to behave.
When the gene is acting normally, the protein is working in healthy shifts as it monitors cells growing and dividing. It goes on and then it goes off. This is called “wild-type” (WT) or normal.
Sometimes, after birth, a mutation in the BRAF gene can form. This is not typically caused by an inherited condition. Many circumstances can cause a gene to mutate, like problems that occur when a cell divides or external factors like chemicals and UV rays. If the BRAF gene mutates, specifically in an area called V600E, the protein stops taking breaks and is constantly working.
This can lead to cells growing and dividing uncontrollably, causing chaos in the “hallway.” In this environment, an (often aggressive) cancer grows. This is called “mutant” or positive.
Biomarker testing can be run on tumor or blood samples to determine if there’s a mutation in the BRAF genes, and specifically in BRAF V600E. If so, there may be targeted therapies available for treatment—a set of drugs called “inhibitors” that can block the overactive BRAF protein and shut down the hallway where there’s cancer growth.
The following targeted therapy drugs may be recommended for patients with a BRAF V600E mutation. Each treatment plan depends on your stage, line of treatment, surgical or additional treatment options, and your overall health.
All GI cancers except for colorectal cancer (in advanced, specific situations)
Only colon and rectal cancers (in advanced, specific situations)
Your treatment plan will be unique and dependent on several factors. Ask your doctor how your biomarker test results are informing your treatment plan and if you qualify for any clinical trials.
