Systematic review of randomised clinical trials and observational studies for patients with RAS wild-type or BRAF-mutant metastatic and/or unresectable colorectal cancer

Approximately 8-10% of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) tumours harbour BRAF mutations. Eleven randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and 24 non-RCTs were identified. Seven studies evaluated BRAF inhibitors. Single-agent BRAF inhibitors had minimal efficacy, whereas BRAF inhibitor plus anti-EGFR therapy improved outcomes. In BEACON CRC, overall survival (OS) was significantly longer for patients receiving encorafenib plus cetuximab ± binimetinib when compared with irinotecan/FOLFIRI plus cetuximab as second- and third-line therapy. Seven prospective non-RCTs reported worse OS and progression-free survival (PFS) for patients with BRAF-mutant vs BRAF wild-type mCRC. Eight RCTs reported that PFS and OS were generally shorter for patients with BRAF-mutant mCRC vs those with KRAS or RAS wild-type mCRC. Patients with BRAF-mutant mCRC have worse outcomes with conventional therapy vs patients with BRAF wild-type tumours. BRAF inhibitors in conjunction with anti-EGFR therapy improves outcomes for patients with BRAF-mutant mCRC vs conventional therapy or a BRAF inhibitor alone.