The prognostic and predictive impact of BRAF mutations in deficient mismatch repair/microsatellite instability-high colorectal cancer: systematic review/meta-analysis.

Lay abstract Patients with colorectal cancer who have mutations in the BRAF gene fare worse compared with those without the mutation, whereas those who have a feature called microsatellite instability-high tend to live longer compared with those who do not have this feature. However, it is unclear whether the presence of BRAF gene mutation changes the course of the disease or response to novel immunotherapy treatment in patients with microsatellite instability-high colorectal cancer. The authors found that patients without the BRAF mutation live longer than their counterparts with the mutation. The two groups did not respond differently to immunotherapy. Therefore, BRAF mutations are important in dictating the disease course in patients with microsatellite instability-high colorectal cancer.