The Effect of KRAS Mutation in Lung Cancers and Neuroblastomas
Abstract
Objective: This literature research examined the effects of KRAS mutation and expression in NonSmall Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Neuroblastomas for using it as a therapeutic target. Background: KRAS gene mutations are more common in long-term tobacco smokers with lung cancer than in non-smokers. The KRAS gene mutations in Lung Cancers typically indicate poor prognosis and resistance to several cancer treatments. Patients with KRAS Mutations were often shown to present resistance to certain drugs such as targeted chemotherapeutics, including EGFR inhibitors. Results: KRAS mutations in NSCLC are driver mutations, which are known to activate signaling pathways that promote aggressive tumor growth, metastasis, and resistance. Therefore, the presence of KRAS mutation in NSCLC typically indicates more aggressive disease and poorer response to EGFR or similar Receptor Kinase Inhibitors (RKIs). Moreover, the response of several cancers to immunotherapy with KRAS mutations relies on the presence of co-mutations that were also contributing to the cancer progression. Indeed, KRAS mutation in Neuroblastoma is presented with mutations in ALK (Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase) and PHOX2B (Paired-Like Homeobox 2B). Hence, we speculate that targeting KRAS mutations along with inhibitors of co-mutations would lead to more effective therapeutic approaches and better outcomes.
Acknowledgment: This research study was supported by the Royal Dames of Cancer Research Inc., Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Umamaheswari Natarajan, Dr. Christopher Blanar, Dr. Appu Rathinavelu
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-3-2024 12:30 PM
End Date
4-4-2024 1:30 PM
The Effect of KRAS Mutation in Lung Cancers and Neuroblastomas
Alvin Sherman Library
Objective: This literature research examined the effects of KRAS mutation and expression in NonSmall Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Neuroblastomas for using it as a therapeutic target. Background: KRAS gene mutations are more common in long-term tobacco smokers with lung cancer than in non-smokers. The KRAS gene mutations in Lung Cancers typically indicate poor prognosis and resistance to several cancer treatments. Patients with KRAS Mutations were often shown to present resistance to certain drugs such as targeted chemotherapeutics, including EGFR inhibitors. Results: KRAS mutations in NSCLC are driver mutations, which are known to activate signaling pathways that promote aggressive tumor growth, metastasis, and resistance. Therefore, the presence of KRAS mutation in NSCLC typically indicates more aggressive disease and poorer response to EGFR or similar Receptor Kinase Inhibitors (RKIs). Moreover, the response of several cancers to immunotherapy with KRAS mutations relies on the presence of co-mutations that were also contributing to the cancer progression. Indeed, KRAS mutation in Neuroblastoma is presented with mutations in ALK (Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase) and PHOX2B (Paired-Like Homeobox 2B). Hence, we speculate that targeting KRAS mutations along with inhibitors of co-mutations would lead to more effective therapeutic approaches and better outcomes.
Acknowledgment: This research study was supported by the Royal Dames of Cancer Research Inc., Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
