Molecular Pathology Laboratory Network

On January 13, 2009, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) published a “provisional clinical opinion,” recommending that patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who are candidates for anti-EFGR therapy have tumors tested for KRAS gene mutations.

According to ASCO, patients with mutated forms of the KRAS gene should not receive the drugs cetuximab (Erbitux) and panitumumab (Vectibix), based on recent studies indicating this treatment is only effective in patients with normal forms of the gene.

The incidence of KRAS gene mutation in colorectal cancer (CRC) is approximately 35-45%. The presence of a KRAS mutation is highly predictive of a patients non-responsiveness to the EGFR inhibitors Erbitux® (cetuximab) or Vetibix™ (panitumumab). 

To identify a KRAS gene mutation, MPLN offers KRAS mutation analysis. For more information about this test, contact one of our technical service specialists at 800.932.2943.