Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 10, 2026

Detection of Targetable Alterations in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer using Next-generation Sequencing
Published on: October 10, 2025
[Research Progress of KRAS Mutation in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer]
1Department of Medical Oncology, Fourth Hospital of Heibei Medical Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China.
Abstract:
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 80%-85% of all patients with lung cancer, the majority of patients with lung cancer at the time of diagnosis is in the advanced stage. The development of target therapy based on has changed the mode of treatment in patients with advanced NSCLC. In NSCLC, epidermal growth factor receptor mutation (EGFR) fusion with echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like4-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4-ALK) has been shown to be a powerful biomarker. It is well known that KRAS is also NSCLC one of the most common mutations in oncogenes, although more than 20 years ago KRAS mutation was found in NSCLC. At present, although there are many drugs used to treat NSCLC patients with KRAS mutation, there is no selective or specific inhibitor for the direct elimination of KRAS activity. NSCLC patients with KRAS mutation have poor responsiveness to most systemic therapy. However, individualized therapy for activated signaling pathways with targeted drugs has a good effect on the prognosis of NSCLC patients with KRAS mutation. In addition, the prognostic and predictive role of KRAS mutation in NSCLC remains unclear. In this review, we focus on the research progress of NSCLC with KRAS mutation, including molecular biology, clinicopathological features, prognosis and prediction of KRAS mutation, which will help to improve the understanding of NSCLC in KRAS mutation. .
Insights
KRAS mutations are common in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but specific inhibitors are lacking. This review covers KRAS mutation research in NSCLC, aiding understanding and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths globally.
- Most NSCLC patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, necessitating effective treatments.
- Targeted therapies have improved NSCLC treatment, with biomarkers like EGFR and ALK playing key roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current research progress on KRAS mutations in NSCLC.
- To elucidate the molecular biology, clinicopathological features, and prognostic/predictive roles of KRAS mutations.
- To enhance the understanding of KRAS mutations in NSCLC for improved patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies on KRAS mutations in NSCLC.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms, clinical characteristics, and treatment responses related to KRAS mutations.
- Synthesis of data on the prognostic and predictive value of KRAS mutations.
Main Results:
- KRAS is a frequent oncogenic mutation in NSCLC, yet lacks specific targeted inhibitors.
- NSCLC patients with KRAS mutations often show poor response to standard therapies.
- Individualized therapy targeting activated pathways shows promise for NSCLC patients with KRAS mutations.
Conclusions:
- Further research into KRAS mutations in NSCLC is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- Understanding KRAS mutation's role can improve personalized medicine approaches for NSCLC.
- Clarifying the prognostic and predictive significance of KRAS mutations will aid clinical decision-making.
Related Concept Videos
Cancers Originate from Somatic Mutations in a Single Cell
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
Mutations
Mutations
Chromosomal Alterations Are Large-Scale Mutations
While point mutations are changes in a single nucleotide in...
Viral Mutations
Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift

