BRAFV600 mutant non-small-cell lung cancer resistant to Vemurafenib

Vemurafenib has shown significant activity in V600 mutant melanoma; however the role of this agent in Lung adenocarcinoma with an activating BRAF mutation is still evolving. One of our patients had a rare activating BRAF mutation detected through tumor exome sequencing, which led to a switch from her successful therapy to Vemurafenib and ultimately tumor progression. The lack of adequate response was disappointing both in terms of lost disease free survival and heavy financial burden to the patient who had to cover the charges of her unsuccessful off-label therapy. This experience, despite its highlight of treatment failure, puts into question the use of next generation sequencing and the trend for using off-label agents in pursuit of an optimal response without the support of strong clinical evidence.