Evaluation of K-RAS gene in colorectal cancer

The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of K-RAS gene mutations in colorectal cancer and their role in diagnosis and prognosis. The study involved 36 patients with colorectal cancer at different stages of the disease progression and with different histopathologic grading. Mutations of codon 12 of K-RAS gene investigated using PCR-RFLP technique were found in 15 patients (41.67%). Although no statistically significant correlation was observed between the disease progression, histopathologic findings, gender and age, we suppose that assessment of K-RAS gene mutations might be of clinical value in the prognosis of colorectal cancer.