Mutational Analysis of BRAFV600E by Polymerase Chain Reaction in Breast Cancer: A Narrative Review
EE01-EE04
Correspondence
Dr. Simran Khan,
Department of Pathology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Sawangi (Meghe)-442005, Maharashtra, India.
E-mail: sabhatsimrankhan416@gmail.com
A major cause of cancer-related death for women globally is breast cancer, calling for molecular insights to better prognosis and treatment. One of the genetic changes that contributes to the constitutive activation of the MAPK/ERK (mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase) pathway and promoting carcinogenesis is the BRAFV600E mutation, which has been extensively studied in melanoma. BRAFV600E has been associated with aggressive forms of breast cancer, including Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), and worse clinical outcomes, despite its rarity. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-based methods for analysing BRAFV600E mutations in breast cancer, specifically Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC), are the main topic of this narrative review. The sensitivity and precision of different PCR techniques, such as droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), qPCR and traditional PCR, in identifying this mutation vary. The review emphasises BRAFV600E potential as a therapeutic target and prognostic marker, particularly considering the poorer efficacy of BRAF inhibitors in treating breast cancer than melanoma. The available data, which mostly comes from non Indian populations, highlights the need for additional thorough studies in a variety of populations, including Indian women, to fully comprehend the clinical significance of the mutation.