Concomitant KRAS and BRAF mutations in colorectal cancer

Abstract

<i>BRAF</i> and <i>KRAS</i> are two key oncogenes in the RAS/RAF/MEK/MAP-kinase signaling pathway. While previously considered mutually exclusive, concomitant mutations in both <i>KRAS</i> and <i>BRAF</i> genes have been identified in colorectal cancer (CRC). The clinical outcome of these patients remains undetermined. We present the clinical course of two patients with CRC harboring mutations at codon 12 of <i>KRAS</i> and <i>BRAF</i> non-V600E mutations. More research is needed to determine the clinical-pathological effect of these simultaneous mutations of <i>KRAS</i> and <i>BRAF</i> in CRC on disease course and treatment outcome.