What is BRAF gene analysis?

A BRAF genetic test looks for a change, known as a mutation, in a gene called BRAF. Genes are the basic units of heredity passed down from your mother and father. The BRAF gene makes a protein that helps control cell growth.

What does BRAF positive mean?

A BRAF mutation is a change in a BRAF gene. That change in the gene can lead to an alteration in a protein that regulates cell growth that could allow the melanoma to grow more aggressively. Approximately half of melanomas carry this mutation and are referred to as mutated, or BRAF positive.

Why is BRAF testing done?

Purpose of Test. BRAF testing is done to look for the presence of BRAF mutations in a tumor. The BRAF oncogene codes for a protein that is important in the growth of some cancers. These mutations are usually acquired in the process of a cell becoming cancerous.

What does BRAF gene mutation mean?

BRAF mutations are changes in the DNA of some cancer cells that can be targeted (treated) with newer targeted therapies. Unlike some hereditary mutations that people are familiar with, such as BRCA mutations, BRAF mutations are usually acquired after birth in the process of a cell becoming a cancer cell.

Is positive or negative BRAF better?

About 40 to 50 out of every 100 people with skin melanoma (40 to 50%) have a change in the BRAF gene. If you have changes in the BRAF gene, doctors describe your melanoma as BRAF positive. If you don’t have changes, then your melanoma is BRAF negative.

What cancers have BRAF mutations?

BRAF mutation is seen in melanoma, papillary thyroid carcinoma (including papillary thyroid carcinoma arising from ovarian teratoma), ovarian serous tumours, colorectal carcinoma, gliomas, hepatobiliary carcinomas and hairy cell leukaemia.

Where is BRAF gene located?

The BRAF gene is located on the long arm of chromosome 7 (7q34) and codes for the serine/threonine protein kinase, B-Raf. B-Raf is a member of the Raf kinase family and is a downstream target of RAS, playing a pivotal role in the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.

Does everyone have the BRAF gene?

Everyone Has the BRAF Gene BRAF is a gene that locks down a specific protein called B-Raf. This protein helps send signals inside your cells that are related to cell growth. Everyone has this gene, and when it’s working properly, it’s an important part of how cells operate.

What does BRAF stand for?

BRAF is a human gene that encodes a protein called B-Raf. The gene is also referred to as proto-oncogene B-Raf and v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B, while the protein is more formally known as serine/threonine-protein kinase B-Raf.

How do you test for BRAF?

Collection and Panels. The test for BRAF mutation can be applied to fresh, frozen or, more commonly, formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) tumor.The V600E mutation is the primary mutation tested for commercially. The most commonly used technique to identify BRAF mutation is real-time polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ).

Why is test for BRAF mutations?

Testing for BRAF mutations is critical both for those who are found to have a BRAF mutation and those who are not. Those who have the mutation may be eligible for a treatment that has a significant chance of controlling the cancer for a period of time. Yet, testing is also important for those who do not have the mutation.

What does BRAF mutation mean?

BRAF mutations are associated with cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome, which is characterised by heart defects, mental retardation and a distinctive facial appearance. Acquired BRAF mutations have been linked to non-Hodgkin lymphoma, colorectal cancer, melanoma, thyroid carcinoma, non-small cell lung carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of lung.