Biomarkers
BRAF V600E Mutation
Also known as: BRAF-mutant, BRAF V600-mutant
Definition
A specific mutation in the BRAF gene (V600E) that drives cancer growth and is targetable with BRAF inhibitors.
Detailed Explanation
BRAF V600E mutations occur in ~50% of melanomas, ~10% of colorectal cancers, and some lung/thyroid cancers. They activate the MAPK pathway. Treated with BRAF inhibitors (dabrafenib, vemurafenib, encorafenib) often combined with MEK inhibitors (trametinib, cobimetinib, binimetinib) to prevent resistance. Testing is standard in melanoma and increasingly in CRC.