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    Therapeutic Targets of KRAS in Colorectal Cancer
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    Abstract:
    Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer have a 5-year overall survival of less than 10%. Approximately 45% of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer harbor
    The RAS gene family is among the most studied and best characterized of the known cancer-related genes. Of the three human ras isoforms, KRAS is the most frequently altered gene, with mutations occurring in 17%–25% of all cancers. In particular, approximately 30%–40% of colon cancers harbor a KRAS mutation. KRAS mutations in colon cancers have been associated with poorer survival and increased tumor aggressiveness. Additionally, KRAS mutations in colorectal cancer lead to resistance to select treatment strategies. In this review we examine the history of KRAS, its prognostic value in patients with colorectal cancer, and evidence supporting its predictive value in determining appropriate therapies for patients with colorectal cancer.
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    e19324 Background: KRAS G12C mutations are present in 15% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and have recently been shown to confer sensitivity to KRAS(G12C) inhibitors. This study aims to assess the clinical features and outcomes with KRAS G12C mutant NSCLC in a real-world setting. Methods: Patients enrolled in an Australian prospective cohort study, Thoracic Malignancies Cohort (TMC), between July 2012 to October 2019 with metastatic or recurrent non-squamous NSCLC, with available KRAS test results, and without EGFR, ALK, or ROS1 gene aberrations, were selected. Data was extracted from TMC and patient records. Clinicopathologic features, treatment and overall survival was compared for KRAS wildtype ( KRAS WT ) and KRAS mutated ( KRAS mut ) patients, and between KRAS G12C ( KRAS G12C ) and other ( KRAS other ) mutations. Results: Of 1386 patients with non squamous NSCLC, 1040 were excluded for: non metastatic or recurrent (526); KRAS not tested (356); ALK, EGFR or ROS1 positive (154); duplicate (4). Of 346 patients analysed, 202 (58%) were KRAS WT and 144 (42%) were KRAS mut , of whom 65 (45%) were KRAS G12C . 100% of pts with KRAS G12C were smokers, compared to 92% of KRAS other and 83% of KRAS WT . The prevalence of brain metastases over entire follow-up period was similar between KRAS mut and KRAS WT (33% vs 40%, p = 0.17), and KRAS G12C and KRAS other (40% vs 41%, p = 0.74). Likewise, there was no difference in the proportion of patients receiving one or multiple lines of systemic therapy. Overall survival (OS) was also similar between KRAS mut and KRAS WT (p = 0.54), and KRAS G12C and KRAS other (p = 0.39). Conclusions: In this real-world prospective cohort, patients had comparable clinical features regardless of having a KRAS mut , KRAS G12C or KRAS other mutation, or being KRAS WT . Treatment and survival were also similar between groups. While not prognostic, KRAS G12C may be an important predictive biomarker as promising KRAS G12C covalent inhibitors continue to be developed.
    74 Background: KRAS mutation is rare ( < 5%) in gastroesophageal cancer (GEC). However, the incidence of KRAS gene amplification (amp+), consequent protein levels, and prognostic and/or therapeutic implications are unknown. Methods: 410 GEC samples and 30 cell lines were assessed for KRAS gene copy number (GCN) by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) (n = 90), Kras expression by selected reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (Kras-SRM-MS) (n = 393), and Kras-SRM level evaluated for correlation with KRAS amp+ status (n = 73). Survival analysis was performed comparing KRAS amp+ versus non-amp+ patients. When possible, concurrent 315 gene next-generation sequencing was also performed. Four KRAS-amplified xenograft lines (CAT-2,12,14,15) were established from malignant effusions. Tumorigenic activity of KRAS amp+ lines (CAT lines, MKN-1) were assessed using MTT and soft agar assays in vitro and subcutaneous xenograft models, compared to non-amp+ lines. Inhibitory assays were performed using KRAS siRNA and CRIPSR, and commercial inhibitors targeting downstream effectors MEK and/or PIK3CA. Results: KRAS FISH revealed clustered gene amp+ in 28.9% (26/90); these patients had worse prognosis than non-amp+ patients. GCN significantly correlated with Kras expression. All KRAS amp+ cell lines significantly overexpressed Kras protein and were tumorigenic in xenograft subcutaneous models. KRAS siRNA and KRAS CRISPR of KRAS amp+ cell lines demonstrated inhibition in MTT viability and soft agar assays, compared to appropriate controls, and demonstrated significant and durable xenograft growth reduction. Conversely, inhibition using MEK and/or PI3K inhibitors demonstrated only transient growth reduction in vivo. Conclusions: KRAS gene amp+ was observed in a large subset (26%) of GEC patients, which correlated with extreme expression by mass spectrometry. Established xenograft lines serve as models to investigate therapeutic strategies for KRAS amp+ patients. Inhibition using MEK/PIK3CA inhibitors provided transient benefit for KRAS amp+ tumors while durable inhibition was observed with Kras protein knockdown, suggesting potential benefit from novel siRNA therapeutics currently in development.
    Abstract Background : KRAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene in cancer, however efforts to develop targeted therapies have been largely unsuccessful. Recently, two small-molecule inhibitors, AMG 510 and MRTX849, have shown promising activity in KRAS G12C-mutant solid tumors. The current study aims to assess the molecular profile of KRAS G12C in colorectal (CRC) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tested in a clinical certified laboratory. Methods : CRC and NSCLC samples submitted for KRAS testing between 2017 and 2019 were reviewed. CRC samples were tested for KRAS and NRAS by pyrosequencing, while NSCLC samples were submitted to next generation sequencing of KRAS, NRAS, EGFR, and BRAF. Results : The dataset comprised 4,897 CRC and 4,686 NSCLC samples. Among CRC samples, KRAS was mutated in 2,354 (48.1%). Most frequent codon 12 mutations were G12D in 731 samples (15.2%) and G12V in 462 (9.6%), followed by G12C in 167 (3.4%). KRAS mutations were more frequent in females than males (p=0.003), however this difference was exclusive of non-G12C mutants (p<0.001). KRAS mutation frequency was lower in the South and North regions (p=0.003), but again KRAS G12C did not differ significantly (p=0.80). In NSCLC, KRAS mutations were found in 1,004 samples (21.4%). As opposed to CRC samples, G12C was the most common mutation in KRAS, in 346 cases (7.4%). The frequency of KRAS G12C was higher in the South and Southeast regions (p=0.012), and lower in patients younger than 50 years (p<0.001). KRAS G12C mutations were largely mutually exclusive with other driver mutations; only 11 NSCLC (3.2%) and 3 CRC (1.8%) cases had relevant co-mutations. Conclusions : KRAS G12C presents in frequencies higher than several other driver mutations, represent a large volume of patients in absolute numbers. KRAS testing should be considered in all CRC and NSCLC patients, independently of clinical or demographic characteristics.
    Pyrosequencing
    70 Background: KRAS mutations are common oncogenic events across cancers, but effective RAS-directed therapies are lacking. However, recent studies support use of PD-1 blockade in most subsets of lung cancer with KRAS short variant mutations (KRAS SV ) (PMID: 28039262), and preclinical data supports combined MEK and SHP2 inhibition in KRAS amplified ( KRAS a ) GEA (PMID: 30093730). We sought to explore the landscape of KRAS altered GEA and compare genomic profiles of KRAS-altered and KRAS wild-type (WT) cases for biomarkers of response to targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Methods: 6,667 tissue specimens from patients with advanced GEA were assayed using hybrid capture-based comprehensive genomic profiling. Tumor mutational burden (TMB) was determined on up to 1.1 Mbp of sequenced DNA and microsatellite instability (MSI) was determined on 95 or 114 loci. Descriptive statistics were used to compare among subgroups. Results: KRAS SV and KRAS a were identified in 11% and 5.8% of gastric adenocarcinoma (GA), respectively, and in 7.2% and 17% of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA), respectively. KRAS a and KRAS SV were nearly mutually exclusive, co-occurring in only 4.4% of KRAS altered cases. ERBB2 alterations were less common in KRAS SV and KRAS a GEA (both 9%) as compared with KRAS WT GEA (19%) (p = 1.9E-16). EGFR a was less common in KRAS SV versus KRAS a GEA (1.9% vs. 9.3%, p = 2.6E-8), whereas PIK3CA SV was more common in KRAS SV versus KRAS a (16% vs 5.0%, p = 1.5E-11). Median TMB for all groups was similar; however, KRAS SV GEA had a higher mean TMB (9.7 mut/Mb) as compared to KRAS a (5.1 mut/Mb, p = 5.0E-12) and KRAS WT cases (5.8 mut/Mb, p = 2.2E-07). KRAS codon 12/13 accounted for > 80% of predicted pathogenic mutations. MSI-high was also more prevalent in KRAS SV (11.4%) versus KRAS a (0.9%, p = 4.8E-15) and KRAS WT GEA (3.0%, p = 1.8E-25). MSI-high KRAS SV GEA was associated with older patient age (median 72 years) and with high TMB (median 40.9 mut/mb). Conclusions: GA was enriched for KRAS mutation whereas EA was enriched for KRAS amplification. KRAS WT versus KRAS SV versus KRAS a each presented distinct genomic profiles. KRAS a in the absence of KRAS mutation exists in 11% of GEA and warrants further exploration to inform combination treatment strategies.
    Microsatellite Instability
    Relevance: Colorectal cancer (CRC), arising from the right-sided or left-sided colon, is a separate clinical and pathological unit. The status of KRAS and its predictive value in CRC remain controversial. The study aimed to explore the effect of primary tumor localization on KRAS gene status in CRC. Methods: The study included 60 patients with colon and rectal cancer. The KRAS mutation test was performed on paraffin-coated tumor samples using PCR methods. Colon cancer was divided into right-sided colon cancer (RSCC) and left-sided colon cancer (LSCC). Results: KRAS mutation was found much more often in rectal cancer (RC) and sigmoid colon (SC) (p=0.413) than in tumors in other parts of the colon. A combined analysis of our data and previously published data showed that KRAS mutation was more common in PSTC, especially in the area of the hepatic bend of the colon than in LSTC (p=0.120). The association of the KRAS mutation with the patient’s age (p<0.012) and the duration of hospitalization (p<0.001) was established.> Conclusion: Our study revealed no significant difference in the KRAS status between colon cancer and rectal cancer. However, KRAS mutation was much more common in RSCC compared to LSCC. Patients with RSCC with mutated KRAS also had a worse prognosis and required longer hospitalization compared to wild-type KRAS. However, patients with LSCC did not demonstrate a similar effect.
    Descending colon
    Clinical Significance
    KRAS遺伝子変異は非小細胞肺癌を含むヒトの癌で頻度の高いがん遺伝子変異の一つである.発見から30年以上のKRAS変異陽性癌の治療法開発にもかかわらず,臨床的有用性を示す薬物は得られず,創薬不能な標的とされてきた.理由として,KRASとGTPの親和性は高く結合阻害は困難,KRASの下流シグナルや膜結合に必要な翻訳後修飾はいくつも平行しており,単一の経路や修飾反応の阻害では他の活性化が起こる,KRAS変異陽性癌は必ずしもKRASに生死が依存していないことなどが考えられる.2013年にGDP結合KRASに低分子化合物がはまるポケットが見出され,G12C変異KRASに限定的ながら,KRASを不活性なGDP結合型に非可逆的に固定する化合物が報告された.この発見に基づき,ソトラシブやアダグラシブなどのG12C特異的阻害剤が開発され,前者は2021年に米国で,2次治療以降のKRASG12C変異陽性非小細胞肺癌に対し迅速承認された.今後,G12C以外の直接阻害剤,G12C阻害剤との併用療法,耐性獲得後の対策,有効な患者選択のためのバイオマーカーなどについて,さらなる研究開発が待たれる.
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    Abstract Background KRAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene in cancer, however efforts to develop targeted therapies have been largely unsuccessful. Recently, two small-molecule inhibitors, AMG 510 and MRTX849, have shown promising activity in KRAS G12C-mutant solid tumors. The current study aims to assess the molecular profile of KRAS G12C in colorectal (CRC) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tested in a clinical certified laboratory. Methods CRC and NSCLC samples submitted for KRAS testing between 2017 and 2019 were reviewed. CRC samples were tested for KRAS and NRAS by pyrosequencing, while NSCLC samples were submitted to next generation sequencing of KRAS , NRAS , EGFR , and BRAF . Results The dataset comprised 4897 CRC and 4686 NSCLC samples. Among CRC samples, KRAS was mutated in 2354 (48.1%). Most frequent codon 12 mutations were G12D in 731 samples (14.9%) and G12V in 522 (10.7%), followed by G12C in 167 (3.4%). KRAS mutations were more frequent in females than males ( p = 0.003), however this difference was exclusive of non-G12C mutants ( p < 0.001). KRAS mutation frequency was lower in the South and North regions ( p = 0.003), but again KRAS G12C did not differ significantly ( p = 0.80). In NSCLC, KRAS mutations were found in 1004 samples (21.4%). As opposed to CRC samples, G12C was the most common mutation in KRAS , in 346 cases (7.4%). The frequency of KRAS G12C was higher in the South and Southeast regions ( p = 0.012), and lower in patients younger than 50 years ( p < 0.001). KRAS G12C mutations were largely mutually exclusive with other driver mutations; only 11 NSCLC (3.2%) and 1 CRC (0.6%) cases had relevant co-mutations. Conclusions KRAS G12C presents in frequencies higher than several other driver mutations, and may represent a large volume of patients in absolute numbers. KRAS testing should be considered in all CRC and NSCLC patients, independently of clinical or demographic characteristics.
    Surgical oncology
    Pyrosequencing
    Citations (31)
    4065 Background: KRAS mutation is rare (< 5%) in gastroesophageal cancer (GEC). However, the incidence of KRAS gene amplification (amp+), consequent protein levels, and prognostic and/or therapeutic implications are unknown. Methods: 410 GEC samples and 30 cell lines were assessed for KRAS gene copy number (GCN) by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) (n = 90), Kras expression by selected reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (Kras-SRM-MS) (n = 393), and Kras-SRM level evaluated for correlation with KRAS amp+ status (n = 73). Survival analysis was performed comparing KRAS amp+ versus non-amp+ patients. When possible, concurrent 315 gene next-generation sequencing was also performed. Four KRAS-amplified xenograft lines (CAT-2,12,14,15) were established from malignant effusions. Tumorigenic activity of KRAS amp+ lines (CAT lines, MKN-1) were assessed using MTT and soft agar assays in vitro and subcutaneous xenograft models, compared to non-amp+ lines. Inhibitory assays were performed using KRAS siRNA and CRIPSR, and commercial inhibitors targeting downstream effectors MEK and/or PIK3CA. Results: KRAS FISH revealed clustered gene amp+ in 28.9% (26/90); these patients had worse prognosis than non-amp+ patients. GCN significantly correlated with Kras expression. All KRAS amp+ cell lines significantly overexpressed Kras protein and were tumorigenic in xenograft subcutaneous models. KRAS siRNA and KRAS CRISPR of KRAS amp+ cell lines demonstrated inhibition in MTT viability and soft agar assays, compared to appropriate controls, and demonstrated significant and durable xenograft growth reduction. Conversely, inhibition using MEK and/or PI3K inhibitors demonstrated only transient growth reduction in vivo. Conclusions: KRAS gene amp+ was observed in a large subset (26%) of GEC patients, which correlated with extreme expression by mass spectrometry. Established xenograft lines serve as models to investigate therapeutic strategies for KRAS amp+ patients. Inhibition using MEK/PIK3CA inhibitors provided transient benefit for KRAS amp+ tumors while durable inhibition was observed with Kras protein knockdown, suggesting potential benefit from novel siRNA therapeutics currently in development.