Rung 4 · Strong
BRAF-targeted treatment for BRAF V600E metastatic colorectal cancer
Roughly doubled survival as a first treatment in a large trial.
TreatmentWith your doctor
What studies found
In the BREAKWATER trial, encorafenib with cetuximab and chemotherapy as first treatment gave median survival of 30.3 months, versus 15.1 months with standard chemotherapy. The FDA gave full approval on 24 February 2026.
The catch
Only for tumors with the BRAF V600E change, which tumor testing finds.
What to do
If your cancer has spread, make sure the tumor was tested for BRAF.
Sources
Rung 4 of 5, Strong: At least one large randomized trial, or very large consistent studies, on this exact question. How we score
To take it to your doctor, print this page.
Step by step
For the whole picture, from prevention and screening to treatment and life after, see the colorectal cancer page.
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