The effects of KRAS mutation status and expression of RAS pathway signaling molecules on the clinicopathological features and prognosis of colorectal cancer in a sample of Iraqi patients

Abstract

Background: KRAS mutations are one of the most common mutations in breast cancer (CRC). The KRAS gene is a small GTPase involved in cell signaling via the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway. Mutations in KRAS inhibit cell growth and division, leading to activation of this pathway that supports the growth and development of CRC. KRAS mutations appear to alter the expression of downstream signals such as ERK as well as other signals in the RAS pathway such as RAF and MEK. Increased expression of these markers is associated with poor prognosis in CRC patients.

Aim of the Study: is to understand the relationships between KRAS mutation status, expression of RAS pathway signaling molecules, and clinicopathological features and prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methodology. Patients who have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer and have received surgical treatment included in this study. Patients' clinical information are collected from their medical records. Patients' tumor tissues are used for KRAS mutation status and RAS pathway signaling molecules expression analysis.

Results: this study provides insights into the relationship between KRAS mutation status and clinicopathologic features in CRC patients. The results suggest that KRAS mutation status may be associated with tumor location, histology, and invasion status, but not with tumor stage or survival. These findings may have implications for treatment decisions and personalized medicine in CRC patients.

Collectively, this study provides important insights into the prevalence of KRAS exon 2 mutations in colon cancer patients. While more research is needed to understand the impact of specific KRAS mutations, this information can help inform treatment decisions and guide the development of new drugs for cancer patients.