Phenotypic and prevalence correlation with recurrent KRAS G12C, G13D, and G22E mutations in colorectal adenocarcinoma

Abstract

ABSTRACT Mutations in the KRAS oncogene at codons 12, 13, and 22 of exon 2 are common in colorectal cancer (CRC). These mutations lead to constitutive RAS pathway activation and are thought to promote tumor progression. However, their correlations with clinical features remain uncertain. KRAS exon 2 mutations were analyzed in 173 (CRC) patients by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. Associations with demographic and pathological factors were examined. Three specific mutations were identified: G12C, G13D, and G22E. 144 patients had KRAS mutations while 29 were wild type. Mutations were more frequent vs wild type (83% vs 17%, p = 0.0001). Mutated tumors were associated with ages ≤ 40 vs ages ˃ 40 (86% vs 82%, p = 0.038), female gender (90% vs 80%, p = 0.007), and moderate differentiation (95% vs 77%, p = 0.033). KRAS exon 2 mutations were prevalent in this cohort and associated with clinicopathologic features. The results suggest these mutations increase colorectal cancer risk and support further investigation of their prognostic utility.