Onkológia 4/2014

Ras genes of metastatic colorectal carcinoma

Monoclonal antibodies against the epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR moAbs) are components of standard treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer. Activating mutations of the K-ras and N-ras genes represent predictive markers of resistance to anti-EGFR treatment. Despite their high structural homology, individual Ras proteins have distinct roles in development and progression of colorectal cancer. Although Ras oncogenes have been discovered more than 30 years ago, new information about their structure, regulation and inhibition is emerging constantly. Understanding the precise function of Ras genes in carcinogenesis so can lead not only to improved stratification of targeted patient population, but also to the development of more effective targeted therapy.

Keywords: metastatic colorectal cancer, targeted therapy, Ras oncogenes.