BRAF is a human gene that encodes a protein called B-Raf. The gene is also referred to as proto-oncogene B-Raf and v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B, while the protein is more formally known as serine/threonine-protein kinase B-Raf.[5][6] The B-Raf protein is involved in sending signals inside cells which are involved in directing cell growth. In 2002, it was shown to be faulty (mutated) in some human cancers.[7] Certain other inherited BRAF mutations cause birth defects. Drugs that treat cancers driven by BRAF mutations have been developed. Two of these drugs, vemurafenib[8] and dabrafenib are approved by FDA for treatment of late-stage melanoma. Vemurafenib was the first drug to come out of fragment-based drug discovery.

Biomarkers

Molecular markers used to guide treatment, assess prognosis, or detect relapse.

• BRAF
• BRCA
• EGFR
• HER2
• KRAS
• ROS1
• ALK
• PD-L1

BRAF

May 16, 2019

NCI Pediatric MATCH Trial Interim Data Shows 24 Percent of Patients Eligible for Targeted Therapy

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The actual match rate is significantly higher than the 10 percent rate the researchers anticipated they would see when the study began in 2017.

Jan 10, 2019

Melanoma BRAF Mutation Type May Affect Response to Targeted Treatments, Immunotherapy

In a small study, melanoma patients with BRAF V600K mutations responded better to immunotherapy while those with V600E mutations had a better response to targeted therapy.

Aug 07, 2018

Researchers Integrate Genotyping Assay, Drug Delivery Tech for Precision Glioma Treatment

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The researchers aim to offer the half-hour diagnostic assay for use during neurosurgery to help clinicians pursue the best treatment for patients with gliomas.  

Jun 18, 2018

Recurrent Rearrangements Identified in Rare Infant Soft Tissue Tumors

Genome and RNA sequencing led to recurrent EGFR and BRAF rearrangements in cryptogenic congenital mesoblastic nephroma and infantile fibrosarcoma soft tumors.

May 31, 2018

PanDrugs System Aims to Advance Precision Cancer Care by Matching Treatments to Mutations

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Informaticians at Spain's National Cancer Research Centre develop a methodology for evaluating likely drug efficacy based on specific patient genotypes.

Nov 06, 2017

Genentech's Zelboraf Gets FDA Approval in BRAF Mutation-Positive Erdheim-Chester Disease

This is the first US Food and Drug Administration approval for a drug based solely on data from a basket study.

Jun 22, 2017

Thermo Fisher Next-Gen Sequencing Panel Wins FDA Approval as Companion Test

The so-called universal CDx approved by the FDA can gauge alterations across multiple genes associated with response to three lung cancer treatments. 

Jun 22, 2017

Quest Diagnostics to Expand Advanced Cancer Care to Community Oncologists Through Recent Acquisitions

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Last week's buys of two oncology labs will allow Quest to provide new cancer diagnostic technologies to communities lacking major cancer research centers, it said.

May 01, 2017

BRAF Proficiency Testing Reporting Adequate But Could Improve, Analysis Finds

Researchers said that laboratories participating in BRAF proficiency testing include most of the required reporting elements "to unambiguously convey molecular results." 

Feb 16, 2017

Head-to-Head Comparison of BRAF Assays Yields Clues About Ideal Use in Guiding Melanoma Therapy

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The study compared five methods, including three based on Roche test kits and reagents, and suggested that a multiplexed test may be best to avoid false-negative results.

Mar 30, 2015

CAP, AMP Among Groups Jointly Issuing Colorectal Cancer Molecular Testing Draft Recommendations

The draft document, which includes recommendations on which molecular tests labs should perform, on what samples, and with what analytical specifications, is available for comment until April 22.