Encorafenib (trade name: BRAFTOVI®) is a potent and highly selective BRAF kinase inhibitor, approved in China in June 2025 for use in combination with cetuximab to treat adult patients with BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer who have previously received systemic anti-cancer therapy.
Definition: BRAF kinase inhibitors are a class of targeted cancer drugs that function by blocking the activity of the BRAF protein. This inhibition disrupts the aberrant kinase activity and can slow down or halt tumor growth.
This drug has been approved and widely used in clinical practice in many countries worldwide. With its significant efficacy and good safety profile, it has now officially entered Jiahui International Cancer Center, bringing a new precision treatment option to Chinese patients with BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer.
BRAF-Mutant Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients: A New Breakthrough in Precision Treatment
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in china, with approximately 7% of patients carrying the BRAF V600E mutation. These patients often respond poorly to traditional chemotherapy, have a poor prognosis, experience rapid disease progression, and face limited treatment options, resulting in poor survival outcomes.
The combination of encorafenib and cetuximab is specifically targeted at patients with BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer, particularly suitable for second-line treatment after prior treatment failure. By potently inhibiting the activity of mutant BRAF protein and blocking the MAPK signaling pathway, encorafenib effectively inhibits tumor growth and spread, providing a clear targeted therapy pathway for this high-risk subgroup of patients.
Significantly Improved Response Rate and Prolonged Duration of Response
Encorafenib demonstrated a significantly improved response in the pivotal Phase III BREAKWATER study.
1. The objective response rate (ORR) was 60.9%, significantly higher than the 40.0% observed with conventional chemotherapy plus bevacizumab.
2. The median duration of response (mDoR) was 13.9 months, further prolonged compared to the 11.1 months in the control group, suggesting a more durable treatment response;
3. Good safety profile, with the most common adverse reactions being fatigue and arthralgia (pain in a joint), most of which were mild to moderate and well-tolerated by patients.
Precision Testing Guides Care, Comprehensive Management Delivers Results
Genetic Testing First
BRAF V600E status must be confirmed by validated testing before treatment.
One-Stop Personalized Treatment
Patients can receive multidisciplinary team evaluation at Jiahui International Cancer Center to develop a combination therapy plan centered around encorafenib.
Comprehensive Medication Monitoring
Clinical pharmacists and the medical team will closely monitor the patient's treatment response and safety, adjusting the plan in a timely manner to ensure successful treatment implementation.
The launch of encorafenib marks a new era of targeted combination therapy for BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer in China, bringing new hope for survival to patients who have failed later-line treatments.
Jiahui International Cancer Center and its pharmacy department are committed to keeping pace with cutting-edge global treatment plans and combining them with high-standard medical services to provide patients with comprehensive care from diagnosis to rehabilitation.
Jiahui Pharmacy Department Pharmaceutical Services Support
Drug Supply and Quality Management
1. Strictly adhere to Good Supply Practice (GSP) regulations to ensure reliable drug sources, compliant storage, and traceable dispensing;
2. Introduce internationally renowned original drugs, including encorafenib, to meet the specific medication needs of cancer patients.
Clinical Pharmacy Services
1. Pharmacists participate in multidisciplinary consultations to provide medication advice for complex cases.
2. Implement therapeutic drug monitoring and individualized dosage adjustments.
3. Implement full pre-prescription review and 24/7 online manual prescription review to ensure safe and standardized medication use.
Comprehensive Patient Medication Education
Provide medication consultation, face-to-face medication guidance, bedside discharge medication education, and conduct focused follow-up and support for patients receiving anti-tumor treatment for the first time to improve treatment adherence and confidence.
References
[1] Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer 2025 Edition
[2] Kopetz S, Grothey A, Yaeger R, et al. Encorafenib, Binimetinib, and Cetuximab in BRAF V600E-Mutated Colorectal Cancer. N Engl J Med. 2019 Oct 24;381(17):1632-1643. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1908075.
[3] Kopetz S, et al. BREAKWATER: Analysis of first-line encorafenib + cetuximab + chemotherapy in BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer. 2025 ASCO GI. Abstract 16.
