Curated clinical source

BRAF-mutant melanoma

What to ask when melanoma testing reports a BRAF mutation, especially whether the result is a BRAF V600 mutation.

BRAF mutation results can affect which treatment categories are worth discussing. NCI PDQ is the primary source for this page.

What to clarify

• Is the result specifically a BRAF V600 mutation?
• Is targeted therapy being discussed before surgery, after surgery, for disease that cannot be removed by surgery, or for disease that has spread?
• How is the oncology team weighing speed of response, durability, side effects, and sequencing with immunotherapy?

Questions to ask

• Does this mutation make BRAF/MEK targeted therapy relevant?
• What are the reasons to choose immunotherapy first, targeted therapy first, or a clinical trial?
• What symptoms or side effects should prompt a call?
• If treatment works, how will we measure response?