Impact of KRAS and BRAF Mutations on Rectal Cancer Treatment Outcomes
Author Information
Author(s): Janine M Davies, Dimitri Trembath, Allison M Deal, William K Funkhouser, Benjamin F Calvo, Timothy Finnegan, Karen E Weck, Joel E Tepper, Bert H O'Neil
Primary Institution: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Hypothesis
KRAS and BRAF mutations would confer radioresistance and result in lesser response to RT and worse survival.
Conclusion
KRAS mutation was not associated with lesser response to chemoradiotherapy or worse overall survival, while high p-ERK expression was linked to better outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- 64% of patients had KRAS wild-type status.
- High p-ERK levels were associated with improved overall survival.
- 36% of patients experienced recurrence, mostly distant recurrences.
- Median overall survival was 4.5 years.
Takeaway
This study looked at how certain gene mutations affect the treatment of rectal cancer. It found that having a KRAS mutation doesn't make treatment less effective, and higher levels of a protein called p-ERK can actually help patients do better.
Methodology
The study evaluated pre-radiotherapy tumor biopsies for KRAS and BRAF mutations and p-AKT and p-ERK expression using pyrosequencing and immunohistochemistry.
Limitations
The study had a small number of patients with BRAF mutations, limiting conclusions about its impact.
Participant Demographics
{"mean_age":58,"gender_distribution":{"male":42,"female":28},"race_distribution":{"white":52,"black":15,"other_or_unknown":3},"clinical_stage_distribution":{"stage_II":25,"stage_III":39,"stage_IV":6}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.6
Confidence Interval
95% CI 3.0-12.5
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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