Encorafenib + cetuximab with chemotherapy for untreated BRAF V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer

Encorafenib in combination with cetuximab and chemotherapy is in development for the treatment of untreated BRAF V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Colorectal cancer develops when abnormal cells grow out of control in the large bowel (colon and rectum). It becomes metastatic when cancer spreads to other parts of the body. The BRAF gene encodes a protein (called BRAF) that is involved in causing cells of the body to divide. A common mutation to this gene is called BRAF ‘V600E’, which plays a role in cancer development by allowing uncontrolled division of tumour cells. Symptoms of mCRC include black or red stool, bleeding from the bottom, stomach pain, fatigue, and weight loss. There are currently no recommended treatment options for this specific type of mCRC, highlighting the need for new therapies.