Encorafenib inhibits migration, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells

Encorafenib, a new-generation BRAF inhibitor, has been approved by FDA for the treatment of melanoma in combination with binimetinib. However, the mechanism of the drug works in colorectal cancer (CRC) is still unclear. In this study, the suppression of growth of CRC cells by encorafenib was investigated. The effects of treatment of encorafenib on pathways linked to cancer were studied, and the effective inhibition of cell proliferation was documented. Our findings showed that cell migration was inhibited by encorafenib through a likely involvement of MPP and TIMP modulation. Furthermore, encorafenib treatment also induced cell cycle arrest. In addition, induction of apoptosis in CRC cells by elevating levels of PUMA. These observations indicate the potential therapeutic efficacy of encorafenib on CRC.