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Published on: September 25, 2018
KRAS mutation testing in clinical practice
1Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, 310 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520-8023, USA.
Abstract:
Activating mutation of KRAS plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of common human malignancies and molecular testing of KRAS mutation has emerged as an essential biomarker in the current practice of clinical oncology. The presence of KRAS mutation is generally associated with clinical aggressiveness of the cancer and reduced survival of the patient. Therapeutically, KRAS mutation testing has maximum utility in stratifying metastatic colorectal carcinoma and lung cancer patients for treatment with targeted therapy. Diagnostically, KRAS mutation testing is useful in the workup of pancreaticobiliary and thyroid cancers, particularly using cytological specimens. In the era of precision medicine, the role of KRAS mutation testing is poised to expand, likely in a setting of combinatorial therapeutic strategy and requiring additional mutation testing of its upstream and/or downstream effectors.
Insights
KRAS mutation testing is crucial for diagnosing and treating common cancers like colorectal and lung cancer. This essential biomarker helps guide targeted therapies and predict patient survival, expanding its role in precision medicine.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Genetics
Background:
- Activating KRAS mutations are key drivers in numerous human cancers.
- KRAS mutation status is a critical biomarker in clinical oncology.
- KRAS mutations correlate with increased cancer aggressiveness and poorer patient survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significance of KRAS mutation testing in oncology.
- To discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of KRAS testing.
- To explore the future role of KRAS testing in precision medicine.
Main Methods:
- Review of current clinical oncology practices.
- Analysis of KRAS mutation testing utility in various cancers.
- Examination of KRAS's role in targeted therapy and diagnostics.
Main Results:
- KRAS mutation testing is vital for stratifying patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma and lung cancer for targeted therapies.
- Diagnostic utility of KRAS testing is established in pancreaticobiliary and thyroid cancers, including cytological samples.
- KRAS mutation testing is integral to personalized medicine strategies.
Conclusions:
- KRAS mutation testing is an indispensable tool in modern oncology.
- Its application extends from guiding targeted treatments to aiding cancer diagnosis.
- Future directions involve combinatorial therapies and testing of related molecular effectors.
