BRAF refines clinical interpretation of mismatch repair deficiency in colorectal cancer

Reliable TNM classification is mandatory in order to advise colorectal cancer patients regarding prognosis and optimal choice of treatment strategy. Despite the revolution in molecular biology, molecular markers have had a minor role in the initial characterization of colorectal cancer. It is now time to not only use immunohistochemical analysis of the mismatch repair (MMR) system, but also BRAF as the standard screening strategy in every new colorectal cancer.

It is well known that the MMR system is clinically relevant for prognosis, heredity and treatment choices, but it is now becoming clearer that knowledge of BRAF status further supports all of these important questions. Other prerequisites for carrying out BRAF testing in the daily clinic – availability, fair price and reliability – have also been sufficiently satisfied.

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