Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Simple and Rapid Method to Obtain High-quality Tumor DNA from Clinical-pathological Specimens Using Touch Imprint Cytology
Published on: March 21, 2018
Combined KRAS and TP53 mutation status is not predictive in CAPOX-treated metastatic colorectal cancer
Menno T De Bruijn1, Daniëlle A E Raats, Jolien Tol
1Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Background:
The response of colorectal tumours to chemotherapy is highly variable. Preclinical work has shown that the Kirsten ras (KRAS) oncogene sensitizes colorectal tumour cells to oxaliplatin and capecitabine in a wild-type tumour suppressor p53 (TP53)-dependent manner. Therefore, whether or not the combined mutation status of KRAS and TP53 could predict response to chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer was tested.
Patients And Methods:
A subgroup of patients from the CAIRO2 study (randomized phase III study on capecitabine, oxaliplatin, bevacizumab with or without cetuximab in first-line advanced colorectal cancer) that received capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (CAPOX) treatment in combination with bevacizumab was selected. The tumours were analyzed for KRAS and TP53 mutations by PCR/sequencing. The relationship between tumour response and genotype was analyzed.
Results:
The following KRAS/TP53 genotypes were identified: KRASmut/TP53mut n=21, KRASmut/TP53wt n=20, KRASwt/TP53mut n=25, KRASwt/TP53wt n=15. No genotype was associated with a significantly better or worse progression-free or overall survival.
Conclusion:
The combined mutation status of KRAS and TP53 does not predict response to CAPOX in patients with metastasized colorectal cancer.
Insights
The combined mutation status of Kirsten ras (KRAS) and tumour suppressor p53 (TP53) genes does not predict chemotherapy response in metastatic colorectal cancer patients. This finding impacts personalized treatment strategies for colorectal tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment response varies significantly.
- Preclinical studies suggest KRAS and TP53 mutations influence CRC cell sensitivity to oxaliplatin and capecitabine.
- Investigating combined KRAS and TP53 mutation status as a predictive biomarker for CRC chemotherapy response is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if combined KRAS and TP53 mutation status predicts treatment response in metastatic colorectal cancer patients receiving CAPOX plus bevacizumab.
- To analyze the association between KRAS/TP53 genotypes and patient outcomes in the CAIRO2 trial.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a subgroup of patients from the CAIRO2 phase III clinical trial.
- Tumor samples were genotyped for KRAS and TP53 mutations using PCR/sequencing.
- Correlation between specific genotypes (KRASmut/TP53mut, KRASmut/TP53wt, KRASwt/TP53mut, KRASwt/TP53wt) and treatment response was assessed.
Main Results:
- Four distinct KRAS/TP53 genotype groups were identified with varying frequencies.
- No statistically significant association was found between any KRAS/TP53 genotype and progression-free or overall survival.
- The combined mutation status of KRAS and TP53 did not serve as a predictive biomarker for CAPOX treatment efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Combined KRAS and TP53 mutation status is not a reliable predictor of response to capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and bevacizumab chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer.
- These findings suggest alternative biomarkers may be needed to guide treatment decisions for CRC patients.
More Related Videos
09:29Development and Maintenance of a Preclinical Patient Derived Tumor Xenograft Model for the Investigation of Novel Anti-Cancer Therapies
Published on: September 30, 2016
06:46Competing-Risk Nomogram for Predicting Cancer-Specific Survival in Multiple Primary Colorectal Cancer Patients after Surgery
Published on: September 27, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Tumor Progression
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
The Ras Gene
Ras is a superfamily...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...