BRAF mutation in thyroid carcinogenesis and its clinical implications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Extensive recent research on BRAF mutation in thyroid cancer has advanced understanding of its role in thyroid carcinogenesis and its clinical implications. The purpose of this review is to summarize the recent advances in this exciting area of thyroid cancer medicine. RECENT FINDINGS: Since the initial discovery of the oncogenic T1799A BRAF mutation in papillary thyroid cancer 3 years ago, numerous studies continue to show a high prevalence and specificity of this mutation in papillary thyroid cancer. Recent studies have focused on the role of this mutation, through activation of the Ras → Raf → MEK → MAP kinase pathway, in papillary thyroid cancer carcinogenesis. This role of BRAF mutation is now strongly supported by clinicopathological, in-vitro cell line, and in-vivo animal studies that showed BRAF mutation as an initiator, as well as a promoter of aggressiveness, of papillary thyroid cancer. SUMMARY: BRAF mutation represents one of the most important molecular discoveries in thyroid cancer in recent years. Its role in papillary thyroid cancer carcinogenesis and potential as a novel prognostic molecular marker, as well as therapeutic target for papillary thyroid cancer, have been recognized. The recent work on BRAF mutation may have an important impact on thyroid cancer medicine.