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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
Detection of a Circulating MicroRNA Custom Panel in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Published on: March 14, 2019
[Colorectal carcinoma--molecular markers in clinical routine]
Andrea Tannapfel1, Anke Reinacher-Schick
1Institut für Pathologie, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Deutschland. andrea.tannapfel@rub.de
Abstract:
K-RAS is currently the most promising biomarker in colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Functionally, the RAS protein plays a key role in the EGFR signaling pathway. In around 30-40% of all patients with CRC a mutated K-RAS gene can be found in the tumor, while 60-70% of patients express a wild-type K-RAS gene in the tumor. The K-RAS status is now generally regarded as a predictive factor for the response to anti-EGFR therapy: patients with the mutated K-RAS gene derive no benefit from treatment with the anti-EGFR antibodies cetuximab or panitumumab. The VEGF antibody bevacizumab, by contrast, seems to be efficacious with both wild-type K-RAS and mutated K-RAS - though larger-scale trials must still be carried out here.
Insights
K-RAS gene mutations are key in colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment. Patients with mutated K-RAS do not benefit from anti-EGFR therapy, but bevacizumab may still be effective.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Context:
- K-RAS is a significant biomarker in colorectal carcinoma (CRC).
- The RAS protein is integral to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway.
- K-RAS mutations occur in 30-40% of CRC patients, while wild-type K-RAS is found in 60-70%.
Purpose:
- To elucidate the role of K-RAS gene status as a predictive factor for anti-EGFR therapy response in colorectal cancer.
- To evaluate the efficacy of bevacizumab in CRC patients with both mutated and wild-type K-RAS.
Summary:
- K-RAS gene status is a critical determinant for predicting response to anti-EGFR therapies like cetuximab and panitumumab.
- Patients with mutated K-RAS tumors do not benefit from anti-EGFR antibody treatments.
- Bevacizumab, an anti-VEGF antibody, shows potential efficacy across both mutated and wild-type K-RAS patient groups, pending further large-scale trials.
Impact:
- Informs personalized treatment strategies for colorectal cancer based on K-RAS mutation status.
- Guides clinical decision-making regarding the selection of targeted therapies.
- Highlights the differential efficacy of anti-EGFR and anti-VEGF therapies in relation to K-RAS genotype.
