Hairy cell leukemia is characterised by which specific molecular mutation that is also the target of vemurafenib?
- A BRAF V600E ✓
- B JAK2 V617F
- C IDH1 R132H
- D NPM1 insertion
Correct answer: A. BRAF V600E
Explanation
BRAF V600E is present in virtually 100% of classical hairy cell leukemia (HCL) cases, making it diagnostically distinctive. The mutation constitutively activates the MAPK pathway. Vemurafenib (a BRAF inhibitor) is used in refractory HCL. JAK2 V617F is the hallmark of polycythemia vera and other myeloproliferative neoplasms.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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