The BRAF (V600E) mutation analysis is predictive for anti-EGFR therapies (i.e., cetuximab and panitumumab). BRAF mutations account for approximately 12-15% of colorectal cancer patients.

The presence of the V600E mutation in the BRAF gene is associated with poor prognosis and non response to anti-EGFR therapy in advanced stage colorectal cancer patients. Studies show that colorectal cancer patients with wild-type KRAS failed to respond when treated with either cetuximab or panitumumab and experienced a shorter progression-free survival and overall survival, when the BRAF mutation was present, compared to patients with wild-type BRAF tumors.1