RAS Mutations in Advanced Colorectal Cancer: Mechanisms, Clinical Implications, and Novel Therapeutic Approaches

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally, posing significant treatment challenges, particularly in its metastatic form (mCRC). This review comprehensively examines the pivotal role of RAS mutations, specifically KRAS and NRAS, which are detected in approxi...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Osman Sütcüoğlu, Hasan Çağrı Yıldırım, Elvina Almuradova, Damla Günenç, Şuayib Yalçın
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Medicina
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/61/7/1202
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally, posing significant treatment challenges, particularly in its metastatic form (mCRC). This review comprehensively examines the pivotal role of RAS mutations, specifically KRAS and NRAS, which are detected in approximately 40–45% of mCRC cases, and their impact on treatment decisions and patient outcomes. We assess the effectiveness of standard treatments within the RAS mutant population, highlighting the challenges and limitations these therapies face. Recent advancements in targeted therapies, particularly the focus on novel agents such as KRAS G12C inhibitors, including sotorasib and adagrasib, have shown promising efficacy in overcoming resistance to conventional treatments. Furthermore, this review discusses future directions, emphasizing the need for research into non-RAS targets to address the complexities of resistance mechanisms and improve therapeutic outcomes. This review aims to provide a detailed overview of the current treatments and innovative approaches, supporting the development of personalized management strategies for patients with mCRC.
ISSN:1010-660X
1648-9144