Frequency and Prognostic Value of KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF Mutations in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: An Iranian Cohort Study

Abstract

Background:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is characterized by genetic mutations, particularly in the Rat sarcoma (RAS) and V-Raf Murine Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog B (BRAF) oncogenes, which affect the prognosis and response to treatment. This study investigated the rates of Kristen Rat Sarcoma Viral oncogene homolog (K-RAS), neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog (N-RAS), and BRAF mutations and their association with 1-year survival among patients with metastatic CRC.

Methods:

This retrospective study included 83 patients with metastatic CRC from the oncology clinic at Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Qom, Iran. Demographic and clinical data, including mutation status, were collected. One-year patient survival was assessed.

Results:

In total, mutation frequencies were 47% for K-RAS, 14.5% for N-RAS, and 6% for BRAF. BRAF mutations were significantly more frequent in patients under 50 years of age, while KRAS and NRAS mutations showed no significant associations with age, sex, tumor site, or metastatic pattern. No significant association was observed between 1-year survival and KRAS, NRAS, or BRAF mutation status. 

Conclusion:

BRAF mutations were significantly associated with an age of diagnosis under 50 years; however, neither BRAF, KRAS, nor NRAS mutations demonstrated a significant association with other clinicopathological characteristics or 1-year survival in this cohort.