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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Characterize Disease-related Mutants of RAF Family Kinases by Using a Set of Practical and Feasible Methods
07:49

Characterize Disease-related Mutants of RAF Family Kinases by Using a Set of Practical and Feasible Methods

Published on: July 17, 2019

Mutations in BRAF correlate with poor survival of colorectal cancers in Chinese population

Jyh-Ming Liou1, Ming-Shiang Wu, Chia-Tung Shun

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.

International Journal of Colorectal Disease
|May 10, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

BRAF mutations, but not KRAS mutations, are linked to worse survival in Chinese colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. This study highlights BRAF as a significant prognostic marker in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Mutations in KRAS and BRAF genes are known to affect treatment response in colorectal cancer (CRC).
  • The prognostic significance of these mutations in patients not receiving EGFR inhibitors is debated.
  • Limited data exists on these mutations in Chinese CRC populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of KRAS and BRAF gene mutations on the survival of Chinese colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.
  • To clarify the association between these specific mutations and patient outcomes in a non-EGFR inhibitor treatment context.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 314 Chinese CRC patients who underwent surgery between 2003 and 2006.
  • Detection of KRAS (codons 12, 13, 61) and BRAF (exons 11, 15) mutations using PCR and direct sequencing.
  • Patient survival data collected until June 2010 via the National Death Registration System.

Main Results:

  • KRAS mutations found in 20.7% and BRAF mutations in 3.8% of patients.
  • KRAS mutations were more frequent in females and non-smokers.
  • Both mutations were associated with proximal tumor location.
  • Multivariate analysis revealed BRAF mutations significantly correlated with worse overall survival (HR=3.91, p=0.014).

Conclusions:

  • BRAF mutations are a significant negative prognostic factor for overall survival in Chinese CRC patients.
  • KRAS mutations did not show a significant association with survival in this cohort.
  • Findings emphasize the importance of BRAF mutation status for predicting outcomes in Chinese CRC patients.

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