KRAS Mutation Analysis

• KRAS mutations are detected using polymerase chain reaction on DNA from tumor sections.
• Majority of mutations occur at codons 12 and 13.
• KRAS mutations can be detected in approximately 30-45% of all patients with colon cancer.
• Patients with wild-type KRAS have shown much greater benefit to anti-EGFR therapies.
• Identification of mutations along the KRAS gene suggests that anti-EGFR therapies will not be efficacious in most, if not all, patients.
• Avoid unnecessary toxicity, treatment delays and monetary cost to patients who do not respond to anti-EGFR therapies.
• Patients should be screened prior to initiating anti-EGFR therapy.

The Clarient Difference

• DNA extraction method specifically developed for optimal assay performance.
• Real-time PCR assay that can detect very low levels of mutations even if contaminated by normal tissue.
• Low failure rate - even on pancreas and lung carcinoma, which are frequently diagnosed on FNA with limited tissue available.
• Rapid turn-around-time 5-7 days (often reported in 5 or less days).