BRAF mutations constitute an important poor prognostic factor in metastatic
colorectal cancer (mCRC) and the development of treatments in this context is of great necessity to prolong patient survival. Although the association between BRAF mutations and
microsatellite instability (MSI) has been known for several years, previous clinical trials have revealed that the former has a limited prognostic impact and that
immune checkpoint inhibitors offer a significant survival benefit to mCRC patients with both characteristics. Furthermore, the genomic classification of BRAF mutations according to their molecular functions enables greater understanding of the characteristics of mCRC patients with BRAF mutations, with therapeutic strategies based on this classification made more ideal to improve poor prognosis through the delivery of targeted
therapies. Recently, a phase III trial was conducted in previously treated mCRC patients with BRAF V600E-mutated
tumors and revealed that the combination
therapy approach of BRAF inhibition and anti-
epidermal growth factor receptor antibody
therapy with or without
MEK inhibition was more efficacious than standard
chemotherapy alone. This review discusses current treatment strategies and future perspectives in BRAF-mutated mCRC.