Our data show that BRAF mutations and PTEN-loss promote (in a non-mutually exclusive fashion) high levels of constitutive IL-8 production in a panel of human CRC cell lines; however, BRAF mutations, but not PTEN status, specifically dictated the response of CRC cells to selective pathway inhibitors, particularly MAPK pathway inhibitors, in terms of IL-8 production. The gene discussed is CXCL8; the disease is colorectal carcinoma.