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    The Pharmacists Center features helpful resources, links, and tools supporting healthcare provider and patient education as well as useful information for practicing oncology pharmacists. Pharmacists Center

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Oncogenic BRAF:
Turning off cancer signals

The Ras-Raf-MEK-MAPK pathway normally transmits signals, such as those from growth factors and hormones, to the nucleus, leading to the expression of genes that regulate cell proliferation and survival.1,2 Point mutations may result in overactivation of the MAPK pathway and can lead to oncogenic transformation.3,4

Additional Resources on this Topic:

Oncogenic BRAF

BRAF Inhibitor (RG7204)

References

Animations

view videoOncogenic BRAF animation

view videoBRAF MOA narrated animation


The most common alteration in the BRAF gene is a mutation known as V600E.5 This mutation results in constitutively active BRAFV600E protein. As a result, overactivated downstream signaling via MEK and ERK leads to excessive cell proliferation and survival, regardless of the presence of growth factors.1 BRAF mutations occur in ~50% of melanoma tumors, ~40% of papillary thyroid tumors, ~30% of ovarian tumors, and ~10% of colorectal and prostate tumors.4,6-11

Oncogenic BRAF signaling in this pathway may lead to1,2

  • Increased/uncontrolled cell proliferation

  • Resistance to apoptosis (programmed cell death)

  • Resistance to chemotherapy

Next: BRAF Inhibitor (RG7204)