Pfizer’s BRAFTOVI Regimen Nearly Doubles Median Progression-Free Survival in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Key Terms
progression-free survival medical
overall survival medical
hazard ratio medical
95% confidence interval technical
p=0.0002 technical
objective response rate medical
blinded independent central review medical
adverse events medical
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Cohort 3 analysis from the Phase 3 BREAKWATER study showed a
56% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death compared to traditional chemotherapy regimen -
Overall survival benefit was also observed, with a
44% reduction in the risk of death - BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and fluorouracil-based chemotherapy is the only approved targeted regimen for BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer
As previously reported, Cohort 3 met its primary endpoint of objective response rate (ORR) by blinded independent central review (BICR). Results for the key secondary endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS) by BICR, being presented at ASCO, show median PFS was nearly doubled with the BRAFTOVI combination regimen (15.2 months) versus the comparator (8.3 months). A clinically meaningful and statistically significant
Updated overall survival (OS), a descriptive secondary endpoint, showed a
“For people with BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer – a disease that historically has had no targeted treatment options and poor outcomes – these results strengthen confidence in how we can treat this disease,” said Scott Kopetz, M.D., Ph.D., FACP, Professor and Deputy Chair of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and co-principal investigator of the BREAKWATER trial. “A nearly
"These compelling results add to a robust body of evidence demonstrating the efficacy of the BRAFTOVI combination treatment across two different established chemotherapy regimens in BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer,” said Jeff Legos, Chief Oncology Officer, Pfizer. “These findings reaffirm the established role of the BRAFTOVI combination regimen as a cornerstone of first-line treatment for patients and families facing this challenging diagnosis.”
In this Cohort 3 analysis, the safety profile of BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and FOLFIRI continued to be consistent with the known safety profile of each respective agent in the regimen, and no new safety signals were identified. The most common adverse events (AEs) (≥
Based on the totality of the Phase 3 and Cohort 3 data in the BREAKWATER study, BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and fluorouracil-based chemotherapy received full approval with an expanded indication from the
Pfizer is continuing its commitment to help non-scientists understand the latest findings with the development of abstract plain language summaries (APLS) for company-sponsored research being presented, which are written in non-technical language. Those interested in learning more can visit www.Pfizer.com/apls to access the summaries.
About BREAKWATER
BREAKWATER is a Phase 3, randomized, active-controlled, open-label, multicenter trial of BRAFTOVI with cetuximab, alone or in combination with chemotherapy (mFOLFOX6 or FOLFIRI) in participants with previously untreated BRAF V600E-mutant mCRC. Patients were randomized to receive BRAFTOVI 300 mg orally once daily in combination with cetuximab (discontinued after randomization of 158 patients), BRAFTOVI 300 mg orally once daily in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 (n=236) or mFOLFOX6, FOLFOXIRI, or CAPOX, with or without bevacizumab (control arm) (n=243). The dual primary endpoints for these study groups are ORR and PFS as assessed by BICR. OS is a key secondary endpoint. In Cohort 3, patients were randomized to receive BRAFTOVI 300 mg orally once daily in combination with cetuximab and FOLFIRI (n=73) or FOLFIRI, with or without bevacizumab (control-arm) (n=74). The primary endpoint of Cohort 3 is ORR as assessed by BICR. PFS as assessed by BICR is a key secondary endpoint; OS is a secondary endpoint.
About Colorectal Cancer (CRC)
CRC is the third most common type of cancer in the world, with approximately 1.8 million new diagnoses in 2022.1 It is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.2 Overall, the lifetime risk of developing CRC is about 1 in 24 for men and 1 in 26 for women.2 In the
BRAF mutations are estimated to occur in 8
About BRAFTOVI® (encorafenib)
BRAFTOVI is an oral small molecule kinase inhibitor that targets BRAF V600E. Inappropriate activation of proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway (RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK) has been shown to occur in certain cancers, including CRC.
Pfizer has exclusive rights to BRAFTOVI in the
INDICATION AND USAGE
BRAFTOVI® (encorafenib) is indicated, in combination with cetuximab and fluorouracil-based chemotherapy, for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with a BRAF V600E mutation, as detected by an FDA-authorized test.
Limitations of Use: BRAFTOVI is not indicated for treatment of patients with wild-type BRAF CRC.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Refer to the prescribing information for cetuximab and individual product components of mFOLFOX6 and FOLFIRI for recommended dosing and additional safety information.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
New Primary Malignancies: New primary malignancies, cutaneous and noncutaneous, can occur. In the BREAKWATER trial, the following cutaneous malignancies occurred in patients receiving BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6: melanocytic nevus in
Tumor Promotion in BRAF Wild-Type Tumors: In vitro experiments have demonstrated paradoxical activation of MAP-kinase signaling and increased cell proliferation in BRAF wild-type cells exposed to BRAF inhibitors. Confirm evidence of BRAF V600E or V600K mutation using an FDA-authorized test prior to initiating BRAFTOVI.
Cardiomyopathy: Cardiomyopathy manifesting as left ventricular dysfunction associated with symptomatic or asymptomatic decreases in ejection fraction, has been reported in patients. Assess left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by echocardiogram or multigated acquisition (MUGA) scan prior to initiating treatment, 1 month after initiating treatment, and then every 2 to 3 months during treatment. The safety has not been established in patients with a baseline ejection fraction that is either below
Hepatotoxicity: Hepatotoxicity can occur. In the BREAKWATER trial, the incidence of Grade 3 or 4 increases in liver function laboratory tests in patients receiving BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 was
Hemorrhage: Hemorrhage can occur. In the BREAKWATER trial, hemorrhage occurred in
Uveitis: Uveitis, including iritis and iridocyclitis, has been reported in patients treated with BRAFTOVI. In BREAKWATER, the incidence of uveitis among patients who received BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 was
QT Prolongation: BRAFTOVI is associated with dose-dependent QTc interval prolongation in some patients. In the BREAKWATER trial, an increase of QTcF >500 ms was measured in
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: BRAFTOVI can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. BRAFTOVI can render hormonal contraceptives ineffective. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective nonhormonal contraception during treatment with BRAFTOVI and for 2 weeks after the final dose.
Risks Associated with Combination Treatment: BRAFTOVI is indicated for use as part of a regimen in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 or FOLFIRI. Refer to the prescribing information for cetuximab and individual product components of mFOLFOX6 and FOLFIRI for additional risk information.
Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with BRAFTOVI and for 2 weeks after the final dose.
Infertility: Advise males of reproductive potential that BRAFTOVI may impair fertility.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
BRAF V600E mutation-positive mCRC, in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6
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Serious adverse reactions occurred in
46% of patients who received BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6. Serious adverse reactions in >3% of patients included intestinal obstruction (4.7% ), pyrexia (3.9% ), sepsis (3.4% ), and abdominal pain (3.4% ) -
Fatal intestinal obstruction occurred in
0.9% , and fatal large intestinal perforation and gastrointestinal perforation occurred in0.4% (each) in patients who received BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 -
Most common adverse reactions (≥
25% , all grades) in the BRAFTOVI with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 arm compared to the control arm (mFOLFOX6 ± bevacizumab or FOLFOXIRI ± bevacizumab or CAPOX ± bevacizumab), and a subset of the control arm (mFOLFOX6 ± bevacizumab), respectively were: peripheral neuropathy (64% vs53% and57% ), nausea (54% vs50% and44% ), fatigue (53% vs41% and45% ), diarrhea (42% vs50% and44% ), decreased appetite (38% vs27% and30% ), rash (36% vs6% and5% ), vomiting (36% vs22% and17% ), hemorrhage (34% vs21% and15% ), abdominal pain (32% vs31% and30% ), arthralgia (32% vs6% and7% ), pyrexia (29% vs16% and17% ), and constipation (27% vs23% and25% ) -
Most common laboratory abnormalities(≥
10% , grade 3 or 4) in the BRAFTOVI with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 arm compared to the control arm (mFOLFOX6 ± bevacizumab or FOLFOXIRI ± bevacizumab or CAPOX ± bevacizumab), and a subset of the control arm (mFOLFOX6 ± bevacizumab), respectively were: increased lipase (53% vs28% and23% ), decreased neutrophil count (37% vs35% and33% ), decreased hemoglobin (19% vs6% and7% ), decreased white blood cell count (12% vs8% and6% ), and increased glucose (11% vs2% and1% )
BRAF V600E mutation-positive mCRC, in combination with cetuximab and FOLFIRI
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Serious adverse reactions occurred in
39% of patients who received BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and FOLFIRI. Serious adverse reactions in >3% of patients included febrile neutropenia (5.6% ) and infusion related reaction (4.2% ) -
Fatal gastrointestinal perforation occurred in
1.4% of patients who received BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and FOLFIRI -
Most common adverse reactions (>
25% , all grades) in the BRAFTOVI with cetuximab and FOLFIRI arm compared to the control arm (FOLFIRI ± bevacizumab) were nausea (61% vs57% ), diarrhea (55% vs49% ), fatigue (47% vs50% ), vomiting (47% vs31% ), alopecia (35% vs22% ), constipation (31% vs29% ), abdominal pain (30% vs22% ), decreased appetite (30% vs32% ), and rash (27% vs1.5% ) -
Most common laboratory abnormalities (≥
10% , grade 3 or 4) in the BRAFTOVI with cetuximab and FOLFIRI arm compared to the control arm (FOLFIRI ± bevacizumab) were: decreased neutrophil count (30% vs32% ), increased lipase (22% vs12% ), decreased white blood cell count (20% vs6% ), and decreased hemoglobin (10% vs3% )
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors: Avoid coadministration of BRAFTOVI with strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, including grapefruit juice. If coadministration is unavoidable, reduce the BRAFTOVI dose.
Strong CYP3A4 inducers: Avoid coadministration of BRAFTOVI with strong CYP3A4 inducers.
Sensitive CYP3A4 substrates: Avoid the coadministration of BRAFTOVI with CYP3A4 substrates (including hormonal contraceptives) for which a decrease in plasma concentration may lead to reduced efficacy of the substrate. If the coadministration cannot be avoided, see the CYP3A4 substrate product labeling for recommendations.
Dose reductions of drugs that are substrates of OATP1B1, OATP1B3, or BCRP may be required when used concomitantly with BRAFTOVI.
Avoid coadministration of BRAFTOVI with drugs known to prolong QT/QTc interval.
View the full Prescribing Information.
About Pfizer Oncology
At Pfizer Oncology, we are at the forefront of a new era in cancer care. Our industry-leading portfolio and extensive pipeline includes three core mechanisms of action to attack cancer from multiple angles, including small molecules, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and multispecific antibodies, including other immune-oncology biologics. We are focused on delivering transformative therapies in some of the world’s most common cancers, including breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, genitourinary cancer, hematology-oncology, and thoracic cancers, which includes lung cancer. Driven by science, we are committed to accelerating breakthroughs to help people with cancer live better and longer lives.
About Pfizer: Breakthroughs That Change Patients’ Lives
At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world’s premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For 175 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.Pfizer.com. In addition, to learn more, please visit us on www.Pfizer.com and follow us on X at @Pfizer and @Pfizer News, LinkedIn, YouTube and like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Pfizer.
Disclosure Notice
The information contained in this release is as of May 31, 2026. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments.
This release contains forward-looking information about BRAFTOVI® (encorafenib) and results from Cohort 3 of the Phase 3 BREAKWATER trial, including their potential benefits, that involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, uncertainties regarding the commercial success of BRAFTOVI plus cetuximab and fluorouracil-based chemotherapy; the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the ability to meet anticipated clinical endpoints, commencement and/or completion dates for our clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, regulatory approval dates and/or launch dates, as well as the possibility of unfavorable new clinical data and further analyses of existing clinical data; the risk that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments by regulatory authorities; whether regulatory authorities will be satisfied with the design of and results from our clinical studies; whether and when any drug applications may be filed in any additional jurisdictions for BRAFTOVI plus cetuximab and fluorouracil-based chemotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic CRC with a BRAF V600E mutation or in any jurisdictions for any other potential indications for BRAFTOVI; whether and when any such other applications may be approved by other regulatory authorities, which will depend on myriad factors, including making a determination as to whether the product's benefits outweigh its known risks and determination of the product's efficacy and, if approved, whether BRAFTOVI plus cetuximab and fluorouracil-based chemotherapy will be commercially successful; decisions by regulatory authorities impacting labeling, manufacturing processes, safety and/or other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of BRAFTOVI or BRAFTOVI plus cetuximab and fluorouracil-based chemotherapy; risks and uncertainties related to issued or future executive orders or other new, or changes in, laws or regulations; uncertainties regarding the impact of COVID-19 on Pfizer’s business, operations and financial results; and competitive developments.
A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Pfizer’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 and in its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, including in the sections thereof captioned “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results”, as well as in its subsequent reports on Form 8-K, all of which are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov and www.pfizer.com.
ERBITUX® is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company its subsidiaries, or affiliates.
References
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- American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Colorectal Cancer. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html. Last accessed: May 2026.
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