KRAS

KRAS is a gene that provides instructions for making a protein involved in cell signaling. This protein helps control how cells grow, divide, and survive. When KRAS works normally, it plays an important role in regulating the growth and development of cells in the body. However, when changes (mutations) occur in the KRAS gene, the protein it makes can become overactive, leading to uncontrolled cell growth. This can contribute to the development of cancer.

What is the normal function of KRAS in a cell?

In a normal, healthy cell, the KRAS protein is part of a larger signaling pathway that helps control how cells respond to growth signals from their environment. This gene acts as a switch: it turns on when a cell needs to grow or divide and turns off when the job is done. When KRAS works properly, cells grow and divide only when necessary, maintaining a balance in tissues throughout the body.

What types of cancer are associated with abnormal KRAS?

Abnormal (mutated) KRAS is associated with several types of cancer, especially cancers of the lung, colon, and pancreas. In these cancers, mutations in KRAS cause the gene to stay “on,” making the cells grow and divide continuously. This uncontrolled growth can lead to the formation of a tumor. Because KRAS mutations are common in some types of cancer, testing for these mutations is important in understanding the cancer’s behavior and selecting the best treatment.

What kinds of tests do pathologists perform to look for abnormal KRAS, and how will the tests be described in a pathology report?

Pathologists perform specialized tests to look for mutations in the KRAS gene. The most common tests are molecular tests that examine the genetic material in the tumour cells. These tests are often done on tissue samples from a biopsy or surgery. Pathologists may use methods such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect specific mutations in the gene.

In your pathology report, the results of KRAS testing will typically be described by whether a mutation is found and, if so, which specific mutation is present. The report may include information about how common this mutation is in certain types of cancer and what it could mean for your treatment options. In some cancers, treatments that specifically target abnormal KRAS are available, while in others, different treatment strategies may be recommended.

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