Dynamic alterations of genome and transcriptome in KRAS G13D mutant CRC PDX model treated with cetuximab

KRAS mutations have been characterized as the major predictive biomarkers for resistance to cetuximab treatment. However, studies indicate that not all KRAS mutations are associated with equivalent treatment outcomes. KRAS G13D mutations were observed to account for approximately 16% of all KRAS mutations in advanced colorectal cancer patients, and whether these patients can benefit from cetuximab has not been determined.

An established KRAS G13D mutant colorectal cancer (CRC) patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model was treated with cetuximab. After repeated use of cetuximab, treatment-resistant PDX models were established. Tissue samples were collected before and during treatment, and multiomics data were subsequently sequenced and processed, including whole-exome, mRNA and miRNA data, to explore potential dynamic changes.

Cetuximab treatment initially slowed tumor growth, but resistance developed not long after treatment. WES (whole-exome sequencing) and RNA sequencing found that 145 genes had low P values (< 0.01) when analyzed between the locus genotype and its related gene expression level. Among these genes, SWAP70 was believed to be a probable cause of acquired resistance. JAK2, PRKAA1, FGFR2 and RALBP1, as well as 10 filtered immune-related genes, also exhibited dynamic changes during the treatment.

Cetuximab may be effective in KRAS G13D mutation patients. Dynamic changes in transcription, as determined by WES and RNA sequencing, occurred after repeated drug exposure, and these changes were believed to be the most likely cause of drug resistance.