Caputo F, Santini C, Bardasi C, Cerma K, Casadei-Gardini A, Spallanzani A, Andrikou K, Cascinu S, Gelsomino F. BRAF-Mutated Colorectal Cancer: Clinical and Molecular Insights.
Int J Mol Sci 2019;
20:E5369. [PMID:
31661924 PMCID:
PMC6861966 DOI:
10.3390/ijms20215369]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the world. It is a heterogeneous disease, which can be classified into different subtypes, characterized by specific molecular and morphological alterations. In this context, BRAF mutations are found in about 10% of CRC patients and define a particular subtype, characterized by a dismal prognosis, with a median survival of less than 12 months. Chemotherapy plus bevacizumab is the current standard therapy in first-line treatment of BRAF-mutated metastatic CRC (mCRC), with triplet (FOLFOXIRI) plus bevacizumab as a valid option in patients with a good performance status. BRAF inhibitors are not so effective as compared to melanoma, because of various resistance mechanisms. However, the recently published results of the BEACON trial will establish a new standard of care in this setting. This review provides insights into the molecular underpinnings underlying the resistance to standard treatment of BRAF-mutated CRCs, with a focus on their molecular heterogeneity and on the research perspectives both from a translational and a clinical point of view.
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