The BRAF mutation in lung cancer means that your cancer started due to a change in the BRAF gene. It may affect your treatment options and outlook.
The BRAF gene is partially responsible for cell growth. When a mutation occurs, it can lead to cells growing out of control and the development of cancer in the lungs.
The presence of the mutation may mean you will be eligible for targeted treatment options.
The BRAF (V-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B) mutation refers to a change in the BRAF gene and protein. BRAF proteins and MEK proteins help control the growth and spread of healthy cells.
The BRAF mutation occurs in the gene. It causes the creation of defective BRAF proteins. When this happens, it can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer.
Though several mutations can occur within the BRAF gene, the most common one in lung cancer is BRAF V600E. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved certain medications to treat it.
The BRAF mutation can act as a biomarker in lung cancer. This means that the presence of abnormal BRAF mutations in a biopsy or blood work can indicate the presence of lung cancer.
Finding the mutation can also help your healthcare team determine the best treatment for you after diagnosis.
The BRAF mutation occurs in about 3% to 5% of all NSCLCs, making it a rare type of lung cancer.
It’s found almost exclusively in the adenocarcinoma subtype, which starts in the outer areas of the lungs.
NSCLC makes up about
When your healthcare professional determines you have the BRAF mutation, they will likely change their approach to your treatment.
The FDA has approved two first-line, targeted treatments for BRAF mutation-positive NSCLC. They are:
- dabrafenib (Tafinlar) plus trametinib (Mekinist)
- encorafenib (Braftovi) plus binimetinib (Mektovi)
Dabrafenib and encorafenib target the defective BRAF gene, while trametinib and binimetinib target the mutated MEK gene. By correcting the genes, they stop the development of the defective proteins responsible for the cancer’s growth, causing the cancer to shrink in size.
If the treatments fail or you have a non-V600E BRAF mutation, your healthcare team will likely recommend immunotherapy with or without chemotherapy.
Immunotherapy teaches your immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells in your body. Chemotherapy is a common form of cancer treatment that uses medications to kill cancer cells.
Depending on your situation, your healthcare team may also recommend or discuss the possibility of participating in a clinical trial. A clinical trial tests new medications and treatment methods to check how effective and safe they are.
Your healthcare professional will discuss your options and help guide you on the benefits and possible side effects of the different treatment types.
The BRAF mutation typically occurs spontaneously during a person’s life. It may not be present at birth but can result from a change in the BRAF gene. This leads to defective BRAF proteins and triggers unregulated growth and division.
BRAF mutation-positive NSCLC often occurs in the following populations:
- people who have never smoked and developed lung cancer
- females
- people with more aggressive types of cancer
Your overall outlook and chances of survival when diagnosed with BRAF-positive NSCLC will depend on several factors.
Healthcare professionals will first determine the exact variation of the mutation. The FDA has only approved targeted treatments for BRAF V600E, as studies show they are more effective against this variation compared to non-V600E variations.
The ability to receive targeted treatments may improve your overall outlook and chances of survival.
If targeted therapy does not work, you may have success with immunotherapy. Depending on your health, age, and other considerations, a specialist may recommend chemotherapy alongside immunotherapy.
According to the results of a 2024 study, BRAF-positive NSCLC may positively affect outcomes when treated with immunotherapy. The study indicated that it may also be effective for advanced cases of NSCLC.
The exact survival rate for BRAF-positive NSCLC is not well documented. According to the
- localized (tumor has not spread): 65%
- regional (tumor spreads to surrounding tissue or lymph nodes): 37%
- distant (tumor or cancer cells spread to other areas of the body): 9%
- all stages combined: 28%
Five-year survival rates show how many people are alive 5 years after their initial diagnosis. These rates do not reflect the chances of survival, but they can give you and your healthcare team a way to discuss your outlook.
BRAF mutation in NSCLC may affect your treatment and outlook. Your healthcare team can review your treatment options with you and discuss the risks and benefits of each.
If you have the BRAF mutation, it was likely not present at birth but acquired during your lifetime. Sometimes, it may pass down from a parent.