Predictive value of VEGF gene polymorphisms for metastatic colorectal cancer patients receiving first-line treatment including fluorouracil, irinotecan, and bevacizumab

The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of germline vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene polymorphisms (VGPs) on the efficacy of the anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab (Bev) in metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC) patients

A novel K-ras mutation in colorectal cancer. A case report and literature review

Activating mutations in the K-ras oncogene mainly occur in codons 12 and 13 and may be predictive of response to drugs directly linked to the K-ras signaling pathway, such as panitumumab and cetuximab

A novel K-ras mutation in colorectal cancer. A case report and literature review

Activating mutations in the K-ras oncogene mainly occur in codons 12 and 13 and may be predictive of response to drugs directly linked to the K-ras signaling pathway, such as panitumumab and cetuximab

Concurrent mutation in exons 1 and 2 of the K-ras oncogene in colorectal cancer

The K-ras gene is frequently mutated in colorectal cancer and has been associated with tumor initiation and progression; approximately 90% of the activating mutations are found in codons 12 and 13 of exon 1 and just under 5% in codon 61 located in exon 2. These mutations determine single aminoacidic substitutions in the GTPase pocket leading to a block of the GTP hydrolytic activity of the K-ras p21 protein, and therefore to its constitutive activation. Point mutations in sites of the K-ras gene, other than codons 12, 13 and 61, and other types of genetic alterations, may occur in a minority of cases, such as in the less frequent cases of double mutations in the K-ras gene. However, all mutations in this gene, even those which occur in non-canonical sites or double mutations, are relevant oncogenic alterations in colorectal cancer and may underlie K-ras pathway hyperactivation. In the present study, we report the case of a patient with colorectal cancer presenting a concurrent point mutation in exons 1 and 2 of the K-ras gene, a GGT to TGT substitution (Glycine to Cysteine) at codon 12, and a GAC to AAC substitution (Aspartic Acid to Asparagine) at codon 57. In addition, we found in the same patient's sample a silent polymorphism at codon 11 (Ala11Ala) of exon 1. © Polish Society for Histochemistry and Cytochemistry Folia Histochem Cytobiol. 2011