Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 22, 2025

Development and Maintenance of a Preclinical Patient Derived Tumor Xenograft Model for the Investigation of Novel Anti-Cancer Therapies
09:29

Development and Maintenance of a Preclinical Patient Derived Tumor Xenograft Model for the Investigation of Novel Anti-Cancer Therapies

Published on: September 30, 2016

14.0K

Current Advances and Trends in KRAS Targeted Therapies for Colorectal Cancer

Michelle Yee Mun Teo1, Jung Yin Fong1, Wan Ming Lim1

  • 1Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Molecular Cancer Research : MCR
|August 31, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Targeting Kirsten Rat Sarcoma (KRAS) mutations with combination therapies, including MEK and PI3K inhibitors, shows promise for metastatic colorectal cancer. Ongoing trials explore these combinations with immunotherapy for better patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Kirsten Rat Sarcoma (KRAS) gene mutations are prevalent in colorectal cancer (CRC), occurring in approximately 60% of cases.
  • Targeting previously 'undruggable' kinases and their substrates presents a novel therapeutic avenue for CRC.
  • Development of resistance to single-agent therapies necessitates exploration of combination treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current scientific approaches and clinical trials targeting KRAS mutations in colorectal cancer.
  • To discuss the integration of targeted therapies with other treatment modalities.
  • To highlight the potential for personalized medicine in CRC management.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature and ongoing clinical trials.
  • Analysis of combination treatment strategies involving MEK and PI3K inhibitors.
  • Evaluation of immunotherapy combinations for KRAS-mutated CRC.

Main Results:

  • Clinical trial data support combination therapy with MEK and PI3K inhibitors for metastatic CRC.
  • Combination treatments aim to overcome resistance and improve therapeutic outcomes compared to single agents.
  • Ongoing trials are investigating the efficacy of pathway inhibitors combined with immunotherapy.

Conclusions:

  • Targeted therapies and combination strategies are advancing the personalized medicine approach for colorectal cancer.
  • Further assessment of these targeted therapies is crucial for optimizing CRC treatment.
  • Direct and indirect targeting of KRAS mutations offers new hope for CRC patients.

More Related Videos

Isolation of Circulating Tumor Cells in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Colorectal Cancer06:19

Isolation of Circulating Tumor Cells in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Colorectal Cancer

Published on: July 18, 2017

10.3K
Utilizing 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging and Quantitative Histology to Measure Dynamic Changes in the Glucose Metabolism in Mouse Models of Lung Cancer06:51

Utilizing 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging and Quantitative Histology to Measure Dynamic Changes in the Glucose Metabolism in Mouse Models of Lung Cancer

Published on: July 21, 2018

18.2K

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
8.0K
Tumor Progression02:07

Tumor Progression

Tumor progression is a phenomenon where the pre-formed tumor acquires successive mutations to become clinically more aggressive and malignant. In the 1950s, Foulds first described the stepwise progression of cancer cells through successive stages.
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...
6.7K
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.4K
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
5.3K
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
8.4K
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
4.0K