Test Code BRAF BRAF V600E GENE MUTATION
Methodology
Allele-Specific Real-Time PCR
Recent studies have shown that not all patients having metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with wild-type KRAS tumors respond to anti-EGFR therapy. This suggests that additional genes and/or pathways may be involved in the mechanism of resistance to these drugs. Mutations in BRAF, another downstream effector of the EGF-activated pathway, have been identified in up to 8% of mCRC tumors. Studies with mCRC patients have shown resistance to anti-EGFR therapy in patients with tumors expressing mutated BRAF. Those same individuals also had decreased progression-free (PFS) and overall (OS) survival when treated with EGFR antagonists.
Specimen Requirements
Paraffin-embedded, formalin-fixed Colon or Lung tissue block or unstained 4-10 µm slides with a minimum of 25% tumor involvement. Greater than 50% tumor is preferred.
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Friday
Maximum Laboratory Time
48 hours
Reference Values
An interpretive report will be provided.
Performing Laboratory
Logan Health Medical Center Laboratory
Test Classification and CPT Coding
Test Classification:
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Logan Health Medical Center, Kalispell, MT. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
CPT Codes:
81210
Specimen Transport Temperature
Refrigerated/Ambient NO/Frozen NO