New Treatment Combination Lowers Risk of Death by Half for Patients with BRAFV600E-Mutated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

New results from the Phase 3 BREAKWATER clinical trial show that a combination treatment including BRAFTOVI® (encorafenib), cetuximab, and chemotherapy significantly improves survival for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer that has a specific genetic change called the BRAF V600E mutation. In the trial, patients receiving this new treatment lived twice as long, over 30 months, compared to those on standard treatments. It also delayed cancer progression for a longer period. This is the first time a targeted therapy has shown such compelling benefits for newly diagnosed patients with this type of mutation. Experts say these findings could change how this aggressive form of colorectal cancer is treated. The new combination therapy is already conditionally approved in the U.S., and Pfizer will be filing with Health Canada and Canada’s Drug Agency in the coming months. While side effects were similar to those expected with chemotherapy, the treatment offers new hope for patients and families.