title: Diagnostic RAS mutation analysis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
abstract: RAS mutation analysis is an important companion diagnostic test. Treatment of colorectal cancer with anti-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) therapy requires demonstration of RAS mutation status (both KRAS and NRAS), and it is good practice to include BRAF. In Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and melanoma, assessment of RAS mutation status can be helpful in triaging patient samples for more extensive testing. This mini-review will discuss the role of PCR methods in providing rapid diagnostic information for cancer patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Walsgrave, Coventry CV2 2DX, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Ian A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Cree
keywords: Cancer; Colorectal; KRAS; Lung; NRAS; PCR