KRAS, NRAS & BRAF
Colorectal Cancer
If you have a colorectal biomarker report, call us. We can help you organize the findings and questions for an individualized review.
RAS and BRAF results can influence targeted-treatment decisions in advanced colorectal cancer, but they must be interpreted with the stage, tumor location and treatment history.
Call 1.800.923.7878The introductory call with our Patient Care Team is free. Medical recommendations require a physician consultation.
Talk With Our Colorectal Cancer Patient Care Team
Tell us what you are facing. Our Patient Care Team will follow up personally and explain the next step. The introductory call is free.
A mutation report is a decision tool—not a complete treatment plan
KRAS, NRAS and BRAF are genes involved in signaling pathways that can drive tumor growth. Testing is especially important in advanced colorectal cancer because particular alterations can make some targeted treatments less likely to help and can make other strategies more relevant.
KRAS and NRAS can affect EGFR-directed treatment
When a colorectal cancer has an activating RAS mutation, certain EGFR-directed medicines are generally less likely to be effective. A “wild-type” result means that the tested alteration was not found; it does not guarantee that a treatment will work. Tumor location, other biomarkers, prior therapy and overall health still influence the choice.
BRAF V600E identifies a distinct subgroup
BRAF V600E colorectal cancer has different biology and may be considered for a biomarker-directed combination in appropriate advanced-disease settings. The exact report, treatment line and other findings matter. BRAF results can also interact with the interpretation of mismatch-repair testing.
A broader report can contain actionable, non-actionable and uncertain findings
Depending on the situation, testing may also evaluate HER2, KRAS G12C, NTRK fusions and other alterations. Some findings have an approved treatment in a specific setting; others are relevant mainly to clinical trials; many variants remain of uncertain significance.
Put the molecular report beside the pathology and treatment timeline
- Original pathology report
- Full biomarker report, not only the summary
- Type and date of tissue or blood sample
- Current stage and sites of disease
- Prior treatment and response
- MMR/MSI status
- Family and hereditary-testing history
- Current clinical-trial questions
Continue with the part of your diagnosis that matters now
Talk with our Patient Care Team for free
If you are facing biomarker-defined colorectal cancer, you do not have to sort through the reports and options alone. Tell us what you are facing. We can explain the consultation process and help you decide whether a physician review at Sunridge may be an appropriate next step.
Frequently asked questions
What does KRAS wild type mean?
It means the tested KRAS alteration was not identified. It does not mean the tumor has no mutations or that a particular medicine is guaranteed to work.
Can biomarkers change over time?
Tumors can evolve, and different tests can sample different material. Whether repeat tissue or blood-based testing is useful depends on the clinical question.
Does a mutation always have a matching drug?
No. Some alterations have validated treatments in specific settings; some are trial targets; others do not currently change standard care.
Sources and important context
- Colon Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)
- Rectal Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)
- Biomarker Testing for Cancer Treatment
- Finding Cancer Care and Seeking a Second Opinion
- Cancer Therapy Interactions With Foods and Dietary Supplements
Medical information disclaimer: This page is for education and does not diagnose cancer or recommend a treatment plan. Treatment decisions require review of the exact diagnosis, stage, pathology, biomarkers, prior treatment, medications and overall health. No therapy is appropriate for every patient, and no supplement, diet or complementary treatment should be assumed to replace medically indicated cancer care.