title: [Identification of K-RAS mutations in colorectal cancer patients in Israel].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Activating mutations of the oncogene K-RAS are a common finding within cells of malignant, sporadic colorectal cancer. The existence of such mutations endows the tumor with proliferation potential which is independent of external stimuli by growth factors such as the epidermal growth factor of upstream receptor (EGFR]. Hence, anticancer, novel biologic drugs, aimed at inhibiting the EGFR, such as cetuximab, are rendered ineffective in cases of colorectal cancer harboring activated K-RAS.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Quantification and characterization of activating mutations in a large cohort of sporadic colorectal tumors in the Israeli population.
  
  
  METHODS
  The results of a mutation analysis kit application in 419 tumor samples collected in Israel during the years 2007-2009 by the diagnostic unit of Teva in Israel--Oncotest-Advantest Ltd.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The utilization of a direct, pre-specified mutation kit analysis (TheraScreen: K-ras Mutation Kit) has identified a total rate of 44.8% mutations. Most mutations (82.4%) were identified within codon 12 and the minority on codon 13. These results are in concordance with modern series conducted worldwide.
authors.affiliation: Internal Medicine T, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Teva, Israel. dr.gadi.segal@gmail.com
authors.forename: Gadi
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Segal
authors.forename: Nicky
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Liebermann
authors.forename: Shmuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Klang
authors.forename: Nava
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Siegelmann-Daniel
authors.forename: Anat
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Beit-Or
authors.forename: Baruch
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Klien
authors.forename: Lior
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Shoushan-Gutman
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000494:pharmacology; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D000068818:Cetuximab; D003062:Codon; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D009154:Mutation; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D016283:Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras); D018631:ras Proteins / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D003062:Codon; C117307:KRAS protein, human; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; D016283:Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras); D018631:ras Proteins; D000068818:Cetuximab