Targeting BRAF in metastatic colorectal cancer: Maximizing molecular approaches

Cancer Treat Rev. 2017 Nov:60:109-119. doi: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2017.08.006. Epub 2017 Aug 31.

Abstract

Oncogenic mutations in B-type Raf kinase (BRAF) occur in 7-10% of metastatic colorectal cancers (mCRC). Despite recent improvements in survival in the general population of patients with mCRC, patients with BRAF-mutant mCRC continue to have poor response to most systemic therapies, and prognosis remains poor. There is a substantial unmet need for novel therapeutic strategies to treat patients with BRAF-mutant mCRC. This review outlines the epidemiology, molecular pathogenesis, prognosis, and mechanisms of treatment resistance of BRAF-mutated CRC. Additionally, this review highlights novel therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing response and improving outcomes.

Keywords: BRAF; Colorectal cancer; Targeted therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / secondary
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / methods*
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / drug effects*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / metabolism

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf