BRAF Mutation — the BRAF V600E oncogenic variant drives approximately 50% of melanomas and is found across colorectal, thyroid, lung, and hairy cell leukemia, with FDA-approved targeted BRAF+MEK inhibitors available for multiple cancer types.
Whole genome sequencing evaluates all BRAF variants — V600E, V600K, V600R, and rare non-V600 mutations — alongside germline BRAF variants that cause cardio-facio-cutaneous (CFC) syndrome, a RASopathy.
BRAF Mutation
BRAF (v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B, chromosome 7q34) encodes a serine/threonine kinase in the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway. The BRAF V600E mutation (valine to glutamic acid at position 600) is found in approximately 50% of melanomas, 8-12% of colorectal cancers, 45-60% of papillary thyroid cancers, 1-3% of non-small cell lung cancers, and nearly 100% of hairy cell leukemias. V600E constitutively activates the MAP kinase pathway, driving cell proliferation independent of upstream growth factor signals.
FDA-approved BRAF+MEK inhibitor combinations have transformed outcomes: dabrafenib+trametinib (melanoma, NSCLC, anaplastic thyroid cancer), vemurafenib+cobimetinib (melanoma), and encorafenib+binimetinib (melanoma and with cetuximab for CRC). In BRAF-mutant melanoma, BRAF+MEK inhibitor combinations produce response rates of ~65-70% with median PFS of ~12-14 months. Anti-PD-1 immunotherapy (pembrolizumab, nivolumab) is also highly effective in melanoma — with BRAF status influencing the sequencing of targeted therapy vs. immunotherapy.
In colorectal cancer, BRAF V600E has traditionally been a marker of poor prognosis. The BEACON trial demonstrated that encorafenib+cetuximab (±binimetinib) produced significant improvement in BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic CRC — making BRAF testing mandatory for all metastatic CRC patients. Germline BRAF variants are rare but cause cardio-facio-cutaneous (CFC) syndrome — a RASopathy characterized by cardiac defects, facial dysmorphism, ectodermal abnormalities, and intellectual disability.
BRAF V600E testing is mandatory for all metastatic melanoma and colorectal cancer patients — it determines whether targeted BRAF inhibitors are available. Missing BRAF V600E means missing a targeted therapy that produces ~70% response rates.
BRAF V600E opens the door to FDA-approved targeted therapies across melanoma, CRC, NSCLC, thyroid cancer, and hairy cell leukemia. WGS detects all BRAF variants from a single test and distinguishes somatic from germline.
BRAF status determines melanoma treatment sequencing — targeted therapy vs. immunotherapy first
BRAF V600E-mutant melanoma has two effective treatment paradigms: BRAF+MEK inhibitors (rapid response, finite duration) and anti-PD-1 immunotherapy (slower response, potentially durable). Treatment sequencing depends on disease tempo, tumor burden, and patient preference. BRAF-wild-type melanoma receives immunotherapy as the primary approach. Molecular BRAF status fundamentally determines the treatment discussion.
BRAF V600E in CRC was previously a death sentence — the BEACON combination transforms outcomes
BRAF V600E CRC has historically been the worst-prognosis molecular subtype. Standard chemotherapy produces median survival of ~6 months in the refractory setting. The BEACON regimen (encorafenib+cetuximab) demonstrated significantly improved survival — converting BRAF V600E from a purely prognostic marker to a target for effective therapy. Without BRAF testing, these CRC patients never receive the targeted combination.
Your full DNA (not just a part of it)
Traditional genetic testing looks at narrow sets of genes, missing most parts of your genome. We sequence your full genome — every gene and every region between genes.
Comprehensive insights and specialized reports
Easy to read and with answers you and your doctor can act on. Not a file to interpret — 200+ clinical reports, organized by category.
Your test becomes more valuable every year
Your DNA does not change, but genome science is accelerating. Every month, new variant-disease associations are discovered. We validate these findings and update your reports automatically. Your test becomes more valuable every year.
The results doctors bring to their hardest cases.
Forty years of uncertainty. One test.
A patient had spent decades in the UK healthcare system without a diagnosis. Dante data, accepted by NHS clinical teams at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow, identified Noonan Syndrome and a RUNX1 leukemia-associated variant that had gone undetected. After 40 years, they finally had an answer.
A complete read delivers a complete picture.
A patient came to Dante to investigate periodic paralysis. Reading the complete genome identified a concurrent hereditary cardiac finding — Brugada syndrome — that their doctor confirmed with an ECG. The result also explained a family member's unresolved cardiac history. One test. Every answer in it.
Sequenced in 2019. The data worked in 2021.
Jennifer sequenced her genome with Dante two years before her breast cancer diagnosis. When treatment began, Dante's pharmacogenomics data showed her prescribed chemotherapy would cause serious adverse effects. Her doctor selected an alternative — and she started effective treatment from day one.
Every genetic question deserves a complete answer.
Whether you are searching for answers today or protecting your health for tomorrow, a complete read of your entire genome is the only place to start.
It runs in your family. Now you can know if it runs in your genes.
Your genome contains inherited variants associated with medical conditions like cardiac, cancer, and neurological. We read all of them — with the clinical depth to give the result meaning.
Learn more →When traditional lab tests say you're fine. And you know you're not.
Standard diagnostic tests check for a pre-selected set of answers. We sequence your full DNA — including parts that no test was designed to check. If the answer is in your genome, we will help you find it.
Learn more →Your diagnosis may be right. Your treatment plan may be incomplete.
Your genes determine which treatments are most likely to work — and which are not. We give your doctor the tools and insights to inform your treatment plan.
Learn more →You want to know before something forces the question.
Some people don't wait for a diagnosis or a family history to act. Whole genome sequencing gives you the complete genetic picture now — so you and your doctor can make informed decisions before anything becomes urgent.
Learn more →You already took a DNA test. Here's what it couldn't tell you.
Most consumer DNA tests read less than 0.1% of your genome. We read all of it.
Learn more →Clinical-grade results. Chosen by individuals, trusted by doctors for their most complex cases.
Dante Genome Test helped specialists at a UK national acute hospital in the identification of Noonan Syndrome and a rare leukemia-associated genetic variant that had gone undetected. That result changed the medical care of the patient.
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Common questions about whole genome sequencing.
What is the difference between whole genome sequencing and a targeted genetic test?
Targeted genetic tests — including standard hereditary cancer panels — read a pre-defined list of known variants in a specific set of genes. They are designed to find what they already know to look for. Whole genome sequencing reads your entire genome: all 6 billion base pairs, every gene, every region between genes. A Mayo Clinic study published in JAMA Oncology found that standard testing guidelines missed more than half of patients with inherited cancer mutations. Genome Test does not have a fixed list.
What will I receive when my results are ready?
Your Dante Genome delivers 200+ physician-ready reports organized by clinical category — hereditary cancer, cardiac conditions, rare diseases, pharmacogenomics, carrier status, and more. Reports are delivered to your secure Genome Manager and are formatted for direct clinical use. Your genome data is permanently retained and re-analyzed automatically as science advances.
What happens if a clinically significant variant is found?
If a pathogenic or likely-pathogenic variant is identified, it will be clearly flagged in your physician-ready report with clinical context, published evidence, and recommended next steps. We recommend sharing any clinically significant finding with your physician or a genetic counselor, who can guide decisions about surveillance, risk reduction, or cascade testing for family members.
How is this different from a consumer DNA test like 23andMe or AncestryDNA?
Consumer DNA tests use genotyping chips that read less than 0.1% of your genome — a tiny pre-selected set of common variants. They are optimized for ancestry and population-level traits, not clinical genetic findings. The Dante Genome Test sequences 100% of your genome at 30X coverage, the same standard used in clinical diagnostic settings. The two tests are not comparable in scope, methodology, or clinical utility.
How long does it take to get results, and how are they delivered?
Your collection kit ships within 48 hours of ordering. Once your sample arrives at our CLIA-certified laboratory, sequencing and analysis takes 6–8 weeks. Results are delivered securely to your Genome Manager, where you can access your reports, share them with your physician, and receive automatic updates as new findings are validated against your genome.
We work with patient advocacy groups worldwide.
Dante Labs works with patient advocacy groups of any size — for BRAF Mutation and other conditions, rare and common. We support groups in any country, including virtual patient advocacy groups.
We can provide customized reports, group discounts, and packages tailored for your members. Please reach out using the form and we'll be in touch within two business days.
- Custom genomic reports for your members
- Group discounts and tailored packages
- Any country — including virtual groups
- Rare and common conditions covered
Message received.
We'll be in touch within 2 business days. To follow up directly: hello@dantelabs.com
One test.
A lifetime of answers.
One kit, sent to your home. Your entire genome sequenced at the clinical standard used for diagnostic decisions. 200+ physician-ready reports delivered to your Genome Manager in 6–8 weeks — permanent and updated as science advances.
Ships within 48 hours · Results in 6–8 weeks
