BRAFV600E Mutant Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Research Articles

Efficacy-effectiveness analysis on survival in a population-based real-world study of BRAF-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with encorafenib-cetuximab.

Encorafenib-cetuximab has been approved for pretreated BRAFV600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients based on efficacy demonstrated in the randomized phase III BEACON trial. The aim of this real-world effectiveness study is to improve knowledge on the generalizability of trial results. This population-based real-world study includes all mCRC patients in the Netherlands treated with encorafenib-cetuximab since approval. Individual patient data and pathology reports were collected. Overall survival (OS) was compared to BEACON and subgroup analyses were conducted for patients who would have been eligible and ineligible for BEACON. 166 patients were included with a median follow-up time of 14.5 months. Median OS was 6.7 months (95% CI:6.0-8.3) and differed from BEACON (9.3 months; 95% CI:8.0-11.3, p-value 0.002). Thirty-six percent of real-world patients would have been ineligible for the BEACON trial. Trial ineligible subgroups with symptomatic brain metastases and WHO performance status ≥2 had the poorest median OS of 5.0 months (95% CI:4.0-NR) and 3.9 months (95% CI:2.4-NR). This real-world cohort of mCRC patients treated with encorafenib-cetuximab showed a clinically relevant efficacy-effectiveness gap for OS. The chance of survival benefit from encorafenib-cetuximab in patients with brain metastases and/or WHO performance status ≥2 is negligible as neither efficacy nor effectiveness has been demonstrated.

Updates in BRAF V600E-Mutated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, and the second leading cause of cancer death. Approximately one in five patients with CRC present with metastatic disease at diagnosis. The BRAF V600E mutation occurs in 8–12% of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), and is characterised by an aggressive clinical course and poor prognosis. This article is based on a webinar discussion in March 2024, between two experts in gastrointestinal cancers, Chiara Cremolini, University of Pisa, Italy; and Julien Taieb, Georges Pompidou European Hospital, Université Paris-Cité, France, both of whom have a wealth of experience and expertise in the clinical management of CRC. The experts described the most important recent advances in the treatment of BRAF V600E-mutated mCRC, including data presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress in October 2023, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancers Symposium in January 2024. Cremolini and Taieb gave valuable insights into topics such as the aggressive nature of BRAF V600E-mutated mCRC, and how this impacts choice of treatment, patient outcomes, and quality of life, as well as the importance of early testing and monitoring. The experts also discussed how the BRAF V600E mutation impacts treatment response and outcomes in patients with microsatellite unstable (microsatellite instability [MSI]) versus microsatellite stable (MSS) tumours, and recent key clinical trials in BRAF V600E-mutated mCRC. The importance of surgery in the multidisciplinary management of patients with BRAF V600E-mutated mCRC, BRAF as a prognostic marker in resected CRC, and real-world studies in this field were also explored. Finally, Cremolini and Taieb described what the future of the management of patients with BRAF V600E-mutated mCRC might look like, and which advancements in research they would like to see.

Safety and Efficacy of Encorafenib, Binimetinib, and Cetuximab for BRAFV600E-Mutant Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Results of the Japanese Expanded Access Program

BackgroundThe phase 3 BEACON CRC study demonstrated the survival benefits of encorafenib and cetuximab, with or without binimetinib (the BEACON triplet or doublet regimen), for BRAFV600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This expanded access program (EAP) and subsequent follow-up study assessed the efficacy and safety of the BEACON triplet regimen in Japanese patients with BRAFV600E-mutant mCRC. Materials and MethodsThe EAP was an open-label, single-arm study including Japanese patients with BRAFV600E-mutant mCRC whose disease progressed after 1 to 2 prior regimens. The patients received the BEACON triplet regimen with 28-day cycles. The subsequent follow-up study assessed the survival outcomes following EAP completion. Safety was assessed only during the EAP. ResultsAmong the 86 enrolled patients, 81 received the BEACON triplet regimen. The objective response rate and median progression-free survival were 27.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 18.0%-39.1%) and 5.26 (95% CI, 4.14-5.52) months, respectively. Grade 3 to 4 adverse events and treatment-related adverse events occurred in 43.2% and 28.4% of patients, respectively. No new safety signals were observed during the EAP. Among 58 patients with confirmed survival at EAP completion, 57 were included in the follow-up study. With a median observation period of 9.17 months through the EAP and follow-up study, the median overall survival was 10.38 (95% CI, 9.00-16.16) months. ConclusionThe efficacy and safety of the BEACON triplet regimen in Japanese patients with BRAFV600E-mutant mCRC were consistent with those reported in the BEACON CRC trial, supporting its use as a standard treatment for pretreated patients with BRAFV600E-mutant mCRC.

Real-world evaluation of clinical outcomes and long-term survivors in patients with BRAF-V600E metastatic colorectal cancer.

166 Background: BRAF-V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (BRAF-V600E mCRC) is associated with poor prognosis but confers response to combination BRAF/EGFR blockade. The goal of this study is to evaluate the clinicopathologic features and natural history of BRAF-V600E mCRC in the era prior to combination BRAF/EGFR inhibitors. Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients treated at the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre with BRAF-V600E mCRC who did not receive combination BRAF/EGFR therapy. Patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer prior to March 31, 2021, were included. Demographic, clinical, pathologic and cancer characteristics were abstracted from electronic medical records. Outcomes of interest included duration of therapy, as a surrogate of progression free survival, and overall survival (OS). Long-term survivor was defined as OS greater than 2 years. Results: 74 patients were included. Median age was 70 years (IQR=61-78), and 39 (53%) patients were female. There were 17 (23%) patients alive at the end of the follow-up period. 31 (42%) patients had poorly differentiated grade and 26 (35%) were mismatch repair deficient (dMMR). Locations of metastases included liver (40, 54%), peritoneum (30, 41%), lung (18, 24%), bone (5, 7%) and brain (5, 7%). Overall, 64 (86%) patients received first line systemic therapy, 19 (26%) second line, and 5 (7%) third line (see Table). Median duration of therapy in the first line was 4.3 months (IQR=2.0-9.6), second line was 2.9 months (IQR=1.4-4.1), and third line 1.0 months (IQR=1.0-1.9). Overall survival in the entire cohort was 13.2 months (IQR=4.6-25.4). Importantly, 21 (28%) patients were long-term survivors, of which 8 (11%) were dMMR. Conclusions: Patients with BRAF-V600E mCRC generally have poor clinical outcomes with traditional systemic therapies. In this study, we identified approximately 25% of patients who are long-term survivors (OS >2 years). This reflects the real-world heterogeneity of clinical outcomes for patients with BRAF-V600E mCRC who did not receive BRAF/EGFR targeted therapy.[Table: see text]

Encorafenib plus cetuximab in patients with BRAFV600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer — Polish multicenter experience

Encorafenib plus cetuximab in patients with BRAFV600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer — Polish multicenter experience

Association of PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in BRAF V600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer: GI-SCREEN post-hoc analysis

Association of PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in BRAF V600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer: GI-SCREEN post-hoc analysis

Commentary on Encorafenib plus cetuximab in patients with BRAFV600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer — Polish multicenter experience

Commentary on Encorafenib plus cetuximab in patients with BRAFV600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer — Polish multicenter experience

Encorafenib plus cetuximab in patients with BRAFV600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer — Polish multicenter experience

Encorafenib plus cetuximab in patients with BRAFV600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer — Polish multicenter experience

Predictive Impact of RNF43 Mutations in Patients With Proficient Mismatch Repair/Microsatellite Stable BRAFV600E-Mutated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Treated With Target Therapy or Chemotherapy.

Target therapy (TT) with encorafenib plus cetuximab is a standard option in patients with BRAFV600E-mutated (mut) pretreated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Recently, mutations in RNF43, encoding a negative regulator of the WNT pathway, were associated with longer progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with proficient mismatch repair/microsatellite stable (pMMR/MSS) BRAFV600E-mut mCRC treated with TT. Here, we explored the effect of RNF43 mutations on the efficacy of second-line TT versus standard chemotherapy (CT). A retrospective cohort of patients with pMMR/MSS BRAFV600E-mut tumors, available RNF43 mutational status, and treated with second-line TT or oxaliplatin- and/or irinotecan-based CT was analyzed. One hundred thirty-two patients with pMMR/MSS BRAFV600E-mut mCRC were included. RNF43 was found mut in 34 (26%) cases. Among RNF43 mutants, TT was associated with longer PFS (7.7 v 3.0 months; P = .002) and higher overall response rate (ORR; 45% v 0%; P = .009) compared with CT. Conversely, among RNF43 wild-type (wt) patients, only a trend for longer PFS (4.5 v 3.7 months; P = .064) favoring TT, with no differences in ORR (P = .14), was observed. After excluding 36 patients receiving TT in third line or beyond, a longer OS (19.4 v 10.1 months; P = .022) and a numerically OS advantage (10.6 v 6.6 months; P = .068) were reported for TT both in the RNF43-mut and in the RNF43 wt groups. However, no interaction effect was reported between RNF43 mutational status and treatment in ORR (Pinteraction = .96), PFS (Pinteraction = .13), and OS (Pinteraction = .44). Patients with pMMR/MSS BRAFV600E-mut mCRC achieve benefit from TT versus CT independently of RNF43 mutational status, although a higher magnitude of benefit from TT is observed in RNF43-mut tumors. These findings deserve confirmation in concluded and ongoing randomized trials.

Ezrin Inhibition Overcomes Acquired Resistance to Vemurafenib in BRAFV600E-Mutated Colon Cancer and Melanoma Cells In Vitro.

Despite the advancements in targeted therapy for BRAFV600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), the development of resistance to BRAFV600E inhibition limits the response rate and durability of the treatment. Better understanding of the resistance mechanisms to BRAF inhibitors will facilitate the design of novel pharmacological strategies for BRAF-mutated mCRC. The aim of this study was to identify novel protein candidates involved in acquired resistance to BRAFV600E inhibitor vemurafenib in BRAFV600E-mutated colon cancer cells using an integrated proteomics approach. Bioinformatic analysis of obtained proteomics data indicated actin-cytoskeleton linker protein ezrin as a highly ranked protein significantly associated with vemurafenib resistance whose overexpression in the resistant cells was additionally confirmed at the gene and protein level. Ezrin inhibition by NSC305787 increased anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of vemurafenib in the resistant cells in an additive manner, which was accompanied by downregulation of CD44 expression and inhibition of AKT/c-Myc activities. We also detected an increased ezrin expression in vemurafenib-resistant melanoma cells harbouring the BRAFV600E mutation. Importantly, ezrin inhibition potentiated anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of vemurafenib in the resistant melanoma cells in a synergistic manner. Altogether, our study suggests a role of ezrin in acquired resistance to vemurafenib in colon cancer and melanoma cells carrying the BRAFV600E mutation and supports further pre-clinical and clinical studies to explore the benefits of combined BRAF inhibitors and actin-targeting drugs as a potential therapeutic approach for BRAFV600E-mutated cancers.

Treatment of BRAF-V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer: new insights and biomarkers.

The presence of a BRAF-V600E mutation in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is observed in approximately 12% of cases and is associated with poor prognosis and aggressive disease. Unlike melanoma, the development of successful BRAF blockade in colorectal cancer has been complex. The phase III BEACON trial made significant progress in the development of BRAF inhibitors by establishing encorafenib-cetuximab as the new standard of care for patients with mCRC who have progressed to one or two previous lines of treatment. Nonetheless, not all patients respond to encorafenib-based combinations, and some responses are short-lived. Identifying new strategies to boost antitumor activity and improve survival is paramount. The development of targeted therapy for BRAF-V600E mCRC starting with BRAF inhibitors as monotherapy through novel combinations with anti-VEGF or anti-PD1 agents to enhance antitumor activity is reviewed, with a particular focus on the development of predictive and prognostic biomarkers. There is a crucial need to better understand tumor biology and develop accurate and reliable biomarkers to enhance the antitumor activity of encorafenib-based combinations. The RNF43 mutation is an accurate and reliable predictive biomarker of response, and combinations that target crosstalk between the MAPK pathway, the immune system, and WNT pathways seem promising.

Impact of encorafenib on survival of patients with BRAFV600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer in a real-world setting

PurposePatients with BRAFV600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) have a dismal prognosis. The best strategies in these patients remain elusive. Against this background, we report the clinical course of patients with BRAFV600E-mutant mCRC to retrieve the best treatment strategy.Patients and methodsClinico-pathological data were extracted from the electronic health records. Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Objective response rate (ORR) was assessed according to RECIST 1.1.ResultsIn total, 51 patients were enrolled. FOLFOXIRI was administered to 12 patients; 29 patients received FOLFOX or FOLFIRI as first-line treatment. Median OS was 17.6 months. Median PFS with FOLFOXIRI (13.0 months) was significantly prolonged (HR 0.325) as compared to FOLFOX/FOLFIRI (4.3 months). However, this failed to translate into an OS benefit (p = 0.433). Interestingly, addition of a monoclonal antibody to chemotherapy associated with superior OS (HR 0.523). A total of 64.7% patients received further-line therapy, which included a BRAF inhibitor in 17 patients. Targeted therapy associated with very favourable OS (25.1 months).ConclusionPatients with BRAFV600E-mutated mCRC benefit from the addition of an antibody to first-line chemotherapy. Further-line treatment including a BRAF inhibitor has a dramatic impact on survival.

FOLFOXIRI Plus Cetuximab or Bevacizumab as First-Line Treatment of BRAFV600E-Mutant Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: The Randomized Phase II FIRE-4.5 (AIO KRK0116) Study.

BRAFV600E mutation is associated with a poor outcome in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This clinical trial investigated the efficacy of triplet chemotherapy (fluorouracil, folinic acid, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan) combined with either cetuximab or bevacizumab in patients with previously untreated BRAFV600E-mutant mCRC. In this controlled, randomized, open-label phase II trial, 109 patients were randomly assigned, 107 of whom were included into the full analysis set (FAS). Patients were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive either FOLFOXIRI plus cetuximab in the experimental arm (n = 72) or FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab in the control arm (n = 35). The primary end point was objective response rate (ORR) according to RECIST 1.1., evaluated in patients treated according to protocol (ATP population). Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), toxicity, and feasibility were analyzed as secondary end points. Eighteen patients discontinued study treatment before the first tumor assessment, thus resulting in the ATP population of 89 patients. In these patients, ORR was 51% (30/59) in the cetuximab-based experimental arm and 67% (20/30) in the bevacizumab-based control arm (odds ratio, 1.93; 80% CI, 1.06 to 3.52; P = .92 [one-sided]). In the full analysis set, median PFS was significantly inferior in the experimental arm (6.7 months v 10.7 months; hazard ratio [HR], 1.89; P = .006). Median OS analyzed at an event rate of 64.5% showed a trend toward shorter survival in cetuximab-treated patients (12.9 months v 17.1 months; HR, 1.4; P = .20). To our knowledge, FIRE-4.5 is the first prospective and randomized study investigating first-line treatment of BRAFV600E-mutant mCRC. FOLFOXIRI plus cetuximab does not induce a higher ORR when compared with FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab in first-line treatment of BRAFV600E-mutant mCRC. Bevacizumab-based chemotherapy remains the preferable first-line treatment of patients with BRAFV600E-mutant mCRC.

P-23 Clinical outcomes of encorafenib, binimetinib, and cetuximab for pretreated BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer in the BEACON EAP follow-up study

P-23 Clinical outcomes of encorafenib, binimetinib, and cetuximab for pretreated BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer in the BEACON EAP follow-up study

The BEETS (JACCRO CC-18) trial: an observational and translational study of BRAF-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer.

For BRAF V600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), the BEACON phase 3 trial showed survival benefit of triplet therapy with cetuximab (anti-EGFR antibody), encorafenib (BRAF inhibitor) and binimetinib (MEK inhibitor) as well as doublet therapy with cetuximab and encorafenib over irinotecan-based chemotherapy plus anti-EGFR antibody. Both regimens are standards of care in Japan, but definite biomarkers for predicting efficacy and selecting treatment remain lacking. The mechanisms underlying resistance to these regimens also warrant urgent exploration to further evolve treatment. This prospective observational/translational study evaluated real-word clinical outcomes with cetuximab and encorafenib with or without binimetinib for BRAF-mutated mCRC patients and investigated biomarkers for response and resistance by collecting blood samples before and after treatment. Clinical Trial Registration: UMIN000045530 (https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000051983).

BREAKWATER: An open-label, multicenter, randomized, phase 3 study, with a safety lead-in (SLI), of first-line (1L) encorafenib (E) + cetuximab (C) ± chemotherapy (CT) vs standard-of-care (SOC) CT for BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

TPS3627 Background: Globally, 8-12% of patients (pts) with mCRC have BRAF V600E mutations, which confer poor prognosis. Based on BEACON (NCT02928224), EC was approved for the treatment (tx) of previously treated pts with BRAF V600E-mutant mCRC. BREAKWATER (NCT04607421) is evaluating EC ± CT vs SOC CT in pts with BRAF V600E-mutant mCRC. In the BREAKWATER SLI (N = 57), EC + CT showed encouraging antitumor activity. Confirmed ORR by BICR (95% CI) with EC + mFOLFOX6 and EC + FOLFIRI, respectively, was 68.4% (46.0, 84.6) and 75.0% (46.8, 91.1) in 1L, and 37.5% (13.7, 69.4) and 44.4% (24.6, 66.3) in 2L. mPFS by BICR (95% CI) with EC + mFOLFOX6 and EC + FOLFIRI, respectively, was 11.1 months [mo] (8.5, NE) and NE (13.8, NE) in 1L, and 10.8 mo (4.3, NE) and 12.6 mo (6.9, NE) in 2L. These results support the continued evaluation of EC + CT. Based on the SLI, EC + mFOLFOX6 was selected for the phase 3 portion. Here we present the updated study design. Methods: BREAKWATER is an ongoing, open-label, multicenter, randomized, phase 3 study evaluating 1L EC ± CT vs SOC CT alone in pts with BRAF V600E-mutant mCRC. Approximately 620 pts will be enrolled in the phase 3 portion and an additional 135 in cohort 3 (Table). Phase 3 and cohort 3 inclusion criteria are age ≥16 (or ≥18 based on country); no prior systemic tx for metastatic disease; measurable disease (RECIST 1.1); BRAF V600E-mutant mCRC (blood or tumor tissue); ECOG PS 0 or 1; and adequate bone marrow, hepatic, and renal function. Pts who received prior BRAF or EGFR inhibitors, those with symptomatic brain metastases (unless stable for ≥4 weeks prior to randomization), or with MSI-H/dMMR tumors (unless ineligible to receive immune checkpoint inhibitors due to a pre-existing medical condition) are excluded. Study treatments and endpoints are shown in the Table. Phase 3 enrollment began in November 2021. Clinical trial information: NCT04607421 . [Table: see text]

PD-25 Disease characteristics and real-world treatment pathways of BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer patients: Analysis of 120 patients enrolled in the BERING CRC study

PD-25 Disease characteristics and real-world treatment pathways of BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer patients: Analysis of 120 patients enrolled in the BERING CRC study

SO-32 Predictive impact of RNF43 mutation (mut) in pMMR/MSS BRAFV600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients (pts) treated with target therapy (TT) or chemotherapy (CT)

SO-32 Predictive impact of RNF43 mutation (mut) in pMMR/MSS BRAFV600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients (pts) treated with target therapy (TT) or chemotherapy (CT)

P-386 Novel data visualization and unsupervised machine learning techniques to support optimal management of toxicity profiles of encorafenib plus cetuximab in patients with BRAFV600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer

P-386 Novel data visualization and unsupervised machine learning techniques to support optimal management of toxicity profiles of encorafenib plus cetuximab in patients with BRAFV600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer

Nursing care and management of adverse events for patients with BRAFV600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer receiving encorafenib in combination with cetuximab: a review

Encorafenib is a B-Raf proto-oncogene serine/threonine-protein kinase (BRAF) inhibitor, approved in the EU and USA, in combination with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor cetuximab, for the treatment of patients with BRAFV600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). In the pivotal BEACON CRC trial, patients achieved longer survival with encorafenib in combination with cetuximab vs. conventional chemotherapy. This targeted therapy regimen is also generally better tolerated than cytotoxic treatments. However, patients may present with adverse events unique to the regimen and characteristic of BRAF and EGFR inhibitors, which produce their own set of challenges. Nurses play an essential role in navigating the care of patients with BRAFV600E-mutant mCRC and managing adverse events that patients may experience. This includes early and efficient identification of treatment-related adverse events, subsequent management of adverse events and education of patients and their caregivers around key adverse events. This manuscript aims to provide support to nurses managing patients with BRAFV600E-mutant mCRC receiving encorafenib in combination with cetuximab, by summarising potential adverse events and providing guidance on how to manage them. Special attention will be paid to the presentation of key adverse events, dose modifications that may be required, practical recommendations and supportive care measures.