K-Ras

The K-ras gene is located on chromosome 12 and plays an important role in the growth of human tumors.

The normal K-ras gene can regulate the cell growth path. Once the K-ras gene is mutated and it permanently activated, then intracellular signal conduction is disturbed, which leads to continuous cell growth and prevents cell apoptosis, thereby causing cancer.

K-ras Gene Mutation Frequency:
≈98% Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)
≈85% Colorectal Cancer
≈43% multiple myeloma
≈32 % Lung Cancer

Cetuximab and panitumumab, as the targeted monoclonal antibodies can inhibit EGFR downstream signal transduction.

Studies had shown that patients with KRAS mutations will resist cetuximab and panitumumab, FDA indicates in the instruction of cetuximab and panitumumab that such drugs are not recommended to apply to colorectal cancer patients with KRAS mutations.

Therefore, KRAS mutation detection is recommended before taking relevant targeted drugs.