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Climbing RAS, the everest of oncogenes

Mariangela Russo1, Federica Di Nicolantonio, Alberto Bardelli

  • 11University of Turin, Department of Oncology, Candiolo (TO); 2IRCC, Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment at Candiolo, Candiolo (TO); 3FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology (IFOM), Milan, Italy.

Cancer Discovery
|January 10, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mutations in the KRAS gene are common in human cancers. Despite decades of research, effective therapies targeting mutant KRAS remain elusive.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Activating mutations in the KRAS gene are prevalent in numerous human cancers.
  • KRAS is a small GTP-binding protein crucial for cell signaling pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current landscape of KRAS-targeted therapies.
  • To highlight the challenges and future directions in conquering mutant KRAS.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
  • Analysis of genetic and molecular data related to KRAS mutations.

Main Results:

  • KRAS mutations are found in approximately 25% of all human tumors.
  • Targeting KRAS directly has proven difficult due to its intracellular localization and lack of deep binding pockets.

Conclusions:

  • Despite significant progress in cancer therapy, mutant KRAS remains a major therapeutic challenge.
  • Novel strategies are needed to effectively target KRAS-driven cancers.

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