International Journal of Hematology and Oncology 2023, Vol 33, Num 4 Page(s): 043-049
V600E and Non-V600E BRAF Mutations in Colorectal Cancer: Clinicopathologic Correlations in a Single Institution

Cem SIMSEK1, Sahin LACIN2, Esin ECE2, Suayib YALCIN2

1Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Ankara, TURKEY
2Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Oncology, Ankara, TURKEY

Keywords: BRAF, V600E, Non-V600E, Colorectal carcinoma, Turkish
Genomic characterization of BRAF mutation in colorectal cancer (CRC) revolutionized it’s management. Current knowledge regarding BRAF mutant CRC is based on the prevalent V600E mutation and mostly on Western population. However, CRC is known to be a complex and heterogenous disease. Thus, we aim to characterize the molecular, clinical and epidemiologic features of V600E as well as non-V600E BRAF mutated CRC in Turkish population. Demographic, histopathologic, molecular and clinical data of V600E and non-V600E BRAF mutant, metastatic and non-metastatic CRC cases were retrospectively collected from a tertiary Oncology hospital. Thirty cases of BRAF mutant colorectal carcinoma was identified. BRAF mutations were V600E (66.7%), V600A (10.0%), V600G (3.3%), V600K (3.3%), and L597V (16.7%). BRAF V600E cases had similar characteristics with Western population: frequent in females (45.0%), more proximal location (52.6%), aggressive histopathologic features (LVI 50.0%), and a worse prognosis (OS 13 vs 30 months, p= 0.068). Non-V600E BRAF mutant cases were diferred from V600E cases by being more frequent in males (50.0%), located more distally (60.0%), and carrying a better prognosis. This study demonstrates V600E mutation in CRC in Turkey is similar with Western population. In like manner, non-V600E BRAF mutation in CRC bears the potential to be a significant attribute for both prognostic and therapeutic implications as well.