KRASmutations in the circulating free DNA (cfDNA) of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.
Circulating free DNA (cfDNA) is obtained from serum or plasma by non-invasive methods such as a simple blood draw, a technique known as "liquid biopsy". Genetic analyses of driver alterations in cfDNA have proved very effective to predict survival and treatment response of cancer patients according to tumoral cfDNA burden in blood. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with higher concentration of tumoral cfDNA in blood have, on average, shorter progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Regarding specific genetic alterations, KRAS proto-oncogene, GTPase (KRAS) is one of the main genes involved in NSCLC and several studies have been performed to determine its value as a predictive and prognostic biomarker in liquid biopsy. Unfortunately, to date no strong conclusions can be drawn since they have yielded contradictory results. Therefore, further investigations are necessary to establish the value of KRAS testing in liquid biopsy as prognostic or predictive factor in NSCLC. Herein, we review the current knowledge on the importance of KRAS as prognostic and predictive biomarker using non-invasive approaches and the scientific data available regarding its application in clinical practice for treatment of NSCLC.
Pangaea Biotech, Laboratory of Oncology, Quirón Dexeus University Hospital, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
Mónica
M
Garzón
Pangaea Biotech, Laboratory of Oncology, Quirón Dexeus University Hospital, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
Sergi
S
Villatoro
Pangaea Biotech, Laboratory of Oncology, Quirón Dexeus University Hospital, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
Cristina
C
Teixidó
Pangaea Biotech, Laboratory of Oncology, Quirón Dexeus University Hospital, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
Clara
C
Mayo
Dr Rosell Oncology Institute, Quirón Dexeus University Hospital, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
Alejandro
A
Martínez
Dr Rosell Oncology Institute, Quirón Dexeus University Hospital, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
Maria
M
de Los Llanos Gil
Dr Rosell Oncology Institute, Quirón Dexeus University Hospital, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
Santiago
S
Viteri
Dr Rosell Oncology Institute, Quirón Dexeus University Hospital, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
Daniela
D
Morales-Espinosa
Pangaea Biotech, Laboratory of Oncology, Quirón Dexeus University Hospital, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;; Dr Rosell Oncology Institute, Quirón Dexeus University Hospital, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;; Cancer Biology & Precision Medicine Program, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Germans Trias i Pujol Health Sciences Institute and Hospital, Crta de Canyet s/n, 08016 Badalona, Spain;; Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Campus Can Ruti, Crta de Canyet s/n, 08016 Badalona, Spain;; Molecular Oncology Research (MORe) Foundation, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
Rafael
R
Rosell
KRAS; Liquid biopsy; circulating free DNA (cfDNA); lung cancer; non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)