BRAF
Medical abbreviation · Hematology and Oncology
| Stands for | B-Raf proto-oncogene |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
BRAF stands for B-Raf proto-oncogene, a hematology and oncology abbreviation.
Gene encoding a signaling kinase whose V600E mutation drives about half of melanomas and smaller shares of colorectal, thyroid and lung cancers, and nearly all hairy cell leukemia. Combinations of BRAF and MEK inhibitors are standard targeted treatment.
Example: BRAF V600E melanoma, stage IV: dabrafenib plus trametinib versus immunotherapy discussed.
Usage notes
Vemurafenib, approved in 2011, was the first BRAF inhibitor; pairing BRAF and MEK inhibitors improved responses and reduced skin side effects such as squamous cell cancers. BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer has a poor prognosis and is treated with encorafenib plus cetuximab. Testing is routine in melanoma, colorectal, thyroid and lung cancer.
Related abbreviations
More hematology and oncology abbreviations
- ASCO – American Society of Clinical Oncology
- ASCT – Autologous stem cell transplant
- ASH – American Society of Hematology
- BCR-ABL – Breakpoint cluster region-Abelson fusion gene
- BEP – Bleomycin, etoposide, Platinol (cisplatin)
- BMT – Bone marrow transplant
- BRCA – Breast cancer gene
- Ca – Cancer (carcinoma)
- CA 19-9 – Carbohydrate antigen 19-9
- CA-125 – Cancer antigen 125
- CAPOX – Capecitabine and oxaliplatin
- CAR-T – Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy
See all 144 hematology and oncology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.