KRAS Mutation Detection

Data shows that anti-cancer treatments may only benefit a small number of patients. Integrating biomarkers into routine clinical practice will help physicians select the right treatment, for the right patient. Doing this could have many positive outcomes including sparing patients unnecessary toxicity from an ineffective treatment or being able to select a treatment that may be more effective in battling their disease.

KRAS, also known as Kras, K-RAS or KRAS2, is a gene present in all cancer tumours and plays an important role in cell growth and the development of tumours.  KRAS mutations have been detected in a range of tumour types including lung, colorectal and pancreatic cancers.  The data show cancer patients with wild-type KRAS (i.e. non-mutated) have a better response,  longer progression-free survival (PFS) or improved overall survival with anti-EGFr therapy. 

Any patient diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer may be tested for KRAS mutation status.

The Process

The test must be conducted on the tumour tissue. The KRAS mutation will not be found in other body cells like blood because it is in the cancer tumour itself.

Tumour tissue removed from the body (following biopsy or surgery) is processed into a tissue block and stored at the hospital where the operation takes place. Once a decision is made to test for KRAS mutations, the patient’s doctor will arrange to have a portion of that saved tissue block sent to a laboratory where KRAS testing is conducted. Results are then sent back to the treating physician. The testing process may take up to 2-3 weeks.

This diagram (click to enlarge), provided by Mount Sinai Hospital, illustrates an overview of the KRAS mutation detection procedures at its centre.