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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Next Generation Sequencing for the Detection of Actionable Mutations in Solid and Liquid Tumors
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Published on: September 20, 2016

Clinical characteristics of patients with lung adenocarcinomas harboring BRAF mutations

Paul K Paik1, Maria E Arcila, Michael Fara

  • 1Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA.

Journal of Clinical Oncology : Official Journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology
|April 13, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

BRAF mutations are found in 3% of lung adenocarcinomas, primarily in smokers. These mutations, including non-V600E types, are more common in lung cancer than melanoma.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Thoracic Medicine

Background:

  • Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality.
  • BRAF mutations are oncogenic drivers in various cancers, including lung adenocarcinoma.
  • Targeted therapies for BRAF-mutant tumors are emerging, necessitating characterization of this patient subgroup.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the clinical characteristics of patients with lung adenocarcinomas harboring BRAF mutations.
  • To investigate the frequency and types of BRAF mutations in lung adenocarcinoma.
  • To compare the clinical features and outcomes of patients with BRAF mutations to those with EGFR, KRAS, and ALK alterations.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 697 lung adenocarcinoma patients.
  • Comprehensive mutation profiling including BRAF, EGFR, KRAS, and ALK rearrangement testing.
  • Collection of clinical data: demographics, smoking history, stage, treatment, and overall survival.

Main Results:

  • BRAF mutations were identified in 3% of patients (18/697), with V600E (50%), G469A (39%), and D594G (11%) being the most common.
  • All BRAF-mutated lung adenocarcinomas occurred in current or former smokers, contrasting with EGFR/ALK-altered tumors (P < .001).
  • Median overall survival for advanced-stage BRAF-mutated lung cancer was not reached, similar to ALK-rearranged and longer than KRAS-mutated cases.

Conclusions:

  • BRAF mutations are present in 3% of lung adenocarcinomas and are strongly associated with smoking history.
  • The prevalence of non-V600E BRAF mutations is notably higher in lung cancer compared to melanoma.
  • Understanding BRAF mutation prevalence and clinical characteristics is crucial for developing targeted therapies in lung adenocarcinoma.

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