The distinctive molecular, pathological and clinical characteristics of BRAF-mutant colorectal tumors. (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Scartozzi, Mario; Giampieri, Riccardo; Aprile, Giuseppe; Iacono, Donatella; Santini, Daniele; dell'Aquila, Emanuela; Silvestris, Nicola; Gnoni, Antonio; Bonotto, Marta; Puzzoni, Marco; Demurtas, Laura; Cascinu, Stefano
• Is Part Of: Expert review of molecular diagnostics. Volume 15:Number 8(2015)
• Page Start: 979
• Page End: 987
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: Molecular diagnosis -- Periodicals; 616.0758205
• DOI: 10.1586/14737159.2015.1047346
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-7159

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>Several clinical series have demonstrated a notably low overall survival for colorectal cancer patients diagnosed with a <italic>BRAF</italic>-mutant tumor. A potentially interesting predictive role has also been suggested for <italic>BRAF</italic>-mutant colorectal cancer receiving anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies. Although a global consensus exists in indicating <italic>BRAF</italic> as a prognostic factor with a possible predictive activity, the clinical use of <italic>BRAF</italic> mutational status in colorectal tumors is still controversial. This article reviews the current knowledge on the use and implications of <italic>BRAF</italic> mutational status in colorectal tumors, in order to define its present role in the clinical practice. Also suggested are possible treatment strategies in this prognostically challenging group of patients. Finally, a comprehensive outlook on future developments for specifically directed anti-BRAF therapy is illustrated.</p> </abstract>