title: Frequency of K-RAS and N-RAS Gene Mutations in Colorectal Cancers in Southeastern Iran
abstract: Background: K-RAS and N-RAS gene mutations cause resistance to treatment in patients with colorectal
  cancer. Based on this, awareness of mutation of these genes is considered a clinically important step towards
  better diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Materials and Methods: Fifty paraffin-embedded blocks of colorectal
  cancer were obtained from Imam Reza Hospital of Birjand, Iran. Following DNA extraction, the samples
  were analyzed for common mutations of exons 2, 3 and 4 of KRAS and NRAS genes using real time PCR and
  pyrosequencing. Results: According to this study, the prevalence of mutations was respectively 28% (14 out of
  50) and 2% (1 out of 50) in KRAS and NRAS genes. All the mutations were observed in patients >50 years old.
  Conclusions: Mutations were found in both KRAS and NRAS genes in colorectal cancers in Iranian patients.
  Determining the frequency of these mutations in each geographical region may be necessary to benefit from
  targeted cancer therapy.
authors.affiliation: Genomics Research Center, Paramedical Faculty, University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran. Naseri@bums.ac.ir
authors.forename: Naseri
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mohsen
authors.forename: Sebzari
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ahmadreza
authors.forename: Haghighi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Fatemeh
authors.forename: Hajipoor
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Fatemeh
authors.forename: Emadian Razavi
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Fariba
keywords: Colorectal cancer; mutation; KRAS; NRAS; Birjand