[Colorectal carcinoma--molecular markers in clinical routine].
K-RAS is currently the most promising biomarker in colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Functionally, the RAS protein plays a key role in the EGFR signaling pathway. In around 30-40% of all patients with CRC a mutated K-RAS gene can be found in the tumor, while 60-70% of patients express a wild-type K-RAS gene in the tumor. The K-RAS status is now generally regarded as a predictive factor for the response to anti-EGFR therapy: patients with the mutated K-RAS gene derive no benefit from treatment with the anti-EGFR antibodies cetuximab or panitumumab. The VEGF antibody bevacizumab, by contrast, seems to be efficacious with both wild-type K-RAS and mutated K-RAS - though larger-scale trials must still be carried out here.
Tannapfel
Andrea
A
Institut für Pathologie, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Deutschland. andrea.tannapfel@rub.de
Reinacher-Schick
Anke
A
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015336:Molecular Probe Techniques; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000097:blood*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018631:ras Proteins / Q000097:blood*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D018631:ras Proteins