What are KRAS and NRAS?

KRAS and NRAS are members of the RAS family. The respective proteins they express are important for cell growth and division.

How do KRAS and NRAS relate to cancer?

KRAS and NRAS are oncogenes. Oncogene means that once the gene is mutated, it may lead to cancer. KRAS and NRAS mutations in fact are the most common genetic lesions in cancer. KRAS and NRAS mutations are found in up to 50% of all colorectal cancer cases.

Why are detecting KRAS and NRAS important?

Using anti-EGFR drugs is the most common targeted therapy approach nowadays to treat colorectal cancer. However, recent data shows that anti-EGFR therapy is unlikely to be beneficial in tumors with any KRAS or NRAS mutations. Pangenia’s Colorectal cancer genes package is a real-time PCR based test designed to search for all relevant KRAS and NRAS mutations that may contribute to the cancer activity and drug resistance against treatment in colorectal cancer. It is important in making decisions and predicting responses for targeted-therapies and/or other treatments specific for the patient tested.

Who should consider this test?

Patients who are suffering from colorectal cancer or patients who have received targeted therapy and failed to show signs of recovery are both advised to perform this test.

Test Specifications

What should I do if my test results are positive?

Please consult your physicians for professional advices.