The biology of K-Ras and B-Raf mutations in colorectal cancer

Yixing Jiang, Heath Mackley, Hua Cheng, Jaffer A. Ajani

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Ras and Raf proteins are two major players in the MAP kinase pathway. They are crucial downstream regulators of multiple receptor tyrosine kinase-mediated cell growth, transformation, and maintenance of the malignant phenotype in human cancers. Mutations have been identified in K-Ras and B-Raf in patients with colorectal cancer. Clinical studies in colorectal cancers demonstrate that the therapeutic efficacy of cetuximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody against epidermal growth factor receptor, depends on the presence of wild-type K-Ras. However, mutations in B-Raf do not predict cetuximab resistance. These observations have led to the use of K-Ras as a predictive biomarker, allowing clinicians to direct the therapy of cancer patients based on their K-Ras mutational status.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)206-211
Number of pages6
JournalCurrent Colorectal Cancer Reports
Volume6
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2010

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Hepatology
  • Oncology
  • Gastroenterology

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