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Mutations in BRAF and KRAS characterize the development of low-grade ovarian serous carcinoma

Gad Singer1, Robert Oldt, Yoram Cohen

  • 1Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA.

Journal of the National Cancer Institute
|March 20, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Activating mutations in BRAF and KRAS genes are common in low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma and its precursors. High-grade serous carcinomas lack these specific mutations, suggesting distinct developmental pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Activating mutations in KRAS and BRAF are implicated in various cancers.
  • Ovarian carcinoma is a significant health concern, with distinct subtypes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of specific BRAF and KRAS mutations in ovarian carcinoma.
  • To differentiate molecular pathways between low-grade and high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of BRAF codon 599 and KRAS codons 12/13 mutations.
  • Genomic analysis of invasive micropapillary serous carcinomas (MPSCs), serous borderline tumors, and conventional high-grade serous carcinomas.

Main Results:

  • Mutations in BRAF or KRAS were found in 68% of MPSCs and 61% of serous borderline tumors.
  • No co-mutations of BRAF and KRAS were observed.
  • Conventional high-grade serous carcinomas lacked the analyzed BRAF and KRAS mutations.

Conclusions:

  • The specific BRAF and KRAS mutations are predominantly found in low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma and its precursors.
  • Low-grade and high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas likely arise from independent molecular pathways.

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