The BRAF (V600E) mutation analysis is predictive for anti-EGFR therapies (i.e., cetuximab and panitumumab). BRAF mutations account for approximately 12-15% of colorectal cancer patients.

The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) family is a group of enzymes that generate lipid 'second messengers' that mediate signal transduction. PI3K signaling initiates normal cell processes that are frequently disrupted by carcinogenesis: growth, differentiation (the structure and/or function of a cell is changed), survival, proliferation, migration, metabolism, and metastasis.

V-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1, also known as BRAF, is a protein which in humans is encoded by the BRAF gene. The BRAF gene makes a protein called B-RAF, which is involved in sending signals in cells and in cell growth. This gene may be mutated (changed) in many types of cancer, which causes a change in the B-RAF protein. This can increase the growth and spread of cancer cells.