Kras and BRAF mutations 

Genetic tests, looking for mutations in the Kras and BRAF genes of colorectal cancer patients, are part of what is known as “personalized medicine”. 

“Personalized medicine” is when a treatment is tailored to the individual patient after their predicted response to the drug, or risk of disease is studied.

In the case of colorectal cancer patients there are already several genetic tests routinely recommended. Tests looking for mutations in the Kras and BRAF oncogenes – genes that have the potential to cause cancer when malfunctioning – are particularly relevant. 

This because is % of colorectal cancer patients carry a mutated Kras gene, while 5-10% have mutations in the BRAF gene. Tumors with these mutations do not respond to chemotherapy with Cetuximab (Erbitux®) or Panitumumab (Vectibix®) - learn why in personalized medicine . 

As result, other drugs, more effective, should be used in their treatment. In this way too, unnecessary side effects from giving cetuximab or panitumumab are also avoided.

Testing on Kras and BRAF genes allow cancer therapies to be tailored according to the molecular characteristics of a person’s tumor and, as such, are part of personalized medicine.