BRAF mutations have been identified as the most common oncogene mutation in 
melanomas, especially important in those originating on nonchronically 
sun-damaged skin. There is a large and continually growing body of evidence 
regarding the importance of this mutation in targeted therapy for melanoma. In 
this review, we outline these findings including: molecular pathways used by 
BRAF, the importance in nonmalignant neoplasms, histologic associations, the 
relationship of BRAF to KIT and NRAS mutations, and their impact on survival, as 
well as resistance mechanisms to BRAF inhibitors employed by melanoma. 
Understanding these topics and how they relate to one another may facilitate the 
development of new treatments and eventually improve the prognosis for those 
patients afflicted with this disease.