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BRAF V600E colorectal cancer

BRAF V600E colorectal cancer can grow faster, which is why it's so important that there's now a targeted plan for it, starting from the first treatment.

ℹ️ General information to help you and your loved ones talk with your care team, not medical advice. Read our disclaimer.

The quick guide

What it means: The tumor has the BRAF V600E change, which drives growth and is linked with more aggressive cancer.

How it's found: Gene testing of tumor tissue or blood, recommended for all metastatic colorectal cancers.

How common it is: About 8 to 10% of metastatic colorectal cancers.

How treatment works

🌱 Early-stage

Early-stage BRAF V600E cancer is treated with standard surgery and chemo.

🔁 Advanced or metastatic

First line: Braftovi (encorafenib) plus Erbitux (cetuximab) plus FOLFOX chemo is an FDA-approved option.
Second line: Braftovi plus Erbitux (without chemo) after prior treatment.
Later lines: Lonsurf with Avastin, Stivarga, Fruzaqla, or immunotherapy if also MSI-H.

Approvals depend on stage and prior treatment. Your care team will decide what fits you.

Drug guides

Biomarker tests that matter

Side effects you may notice

❓ Questions you and your loved ones can ask

Will I start with Braftovi, Erbitux and FOLFOX?
Is my tumor also MSI-high?
How often should my skin be checked?

Back to Colorectal cancer overview. Other types: Colon cancer: non-metastatic and metastatic, Rectal cancer: early, locally advanced and metastatic, MSI-high / dMMR colorectal cancer, HER2-positive (HER2-amplified) colorectal cancer, KRAS G12C colorectal cancer (RAS-mutant), RAS wild-type colorectal cancer (KRAS/NRAS normal).

Written by the Cancer Side Effects Guide team from FDA labels and leading cancer centers. Not medical advice. · Last updated: October 15, 2026 · How we write

Not medical advice. This page is general information to help you talk with your care team. It can't replace advice from your doctor or nurse. If you have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher during treatment, or any symptom that worries you, call your care team now. In an emergency, call 911.