BRAF Mutations in Colorectal Liver Metastases: Prognostic Implications and Potential Therapeutic Strategies

Cancers (Basel). 2022 Aug 23;14(17):4067. doi: 10.3390/cancers14174067.

Abstract

Surgery combined with chemotherapy and precision medicine is the only potential treatment for patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM). The use of modern molecular biotechnology to identify suitable biomarkers is of great significance for predicting prognosis and formulating individualized treatment plans for these patients. BRAF mutations, particularly V600E, are widely believed to be associated with poor prognosis in patients with metastatic CRC (mCRC). However, it is unclear which specific factors affect the prognosis of CRLM patients with BRAF mutations. It is also unknown whether patients with resectable CRLM and BRAF mutations should undergo surgical treatment since there is an increased recurrence rate after surgery in these patients. In this review, we combined the molecular mechanism and clinical characteristics of BRAF mutations to explore the prognostic significance and potential targeted therapy strategies for patients with BRAF-mutated CRLM.

Keywords: BRAF mutation; colorectal cancer; liver metastases; prognosis; targeted therapy.

Publication types

  • Review