KRAS Oncogene Mutations in Colorectal Cancer Patients in a Nepalese Tertiary Care Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world and ranks among top ten cancer in Nepal. Limited data have been reported in the literature regarding the prevalence of Kristen Rat Sarcoma viral oncogene mutation in Nepalese patients with colorectal cancer. In a low income country such as Nepal where majority of cancer patient pay for treatment out-of-pocket, it is important to ascertain Kristen Rat Sarcoma viral oncogene mutation status before starting treatment with these agents. METHODS: We analysed 22 colorectal cancer specimens diagnosed histopathologically. Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction was performed on extracted DNA using RoterGene from Qiagen. US Food and Drug Administration approved kit was used for detection of Kristen Rat Sarcoma viral oncogene mutation i.e. TheraScreen: K-RAS Mutation Kit: The K-RAS Kit detects seven Kristen Rat Sarcoma viral oncogene mutations in codons 12 and 13 of the Kristen Rat Sarcoma viral oncogene. RESULTS: Kristen Rat Sarcoma viral oncogene mutation was observed in 13 (59%) of the samples studied. All samples had point mutation on codons 12 while 5 samples (38%) also had a point mutation on codons 13. No association was found between the presence of Kristen Rat Sarcoma viral oncogene mutation and gender or age or sidedness of the cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Kristen Rat Sarcoma viral oncogene was commonly present in colorectal cancer specimens. Further efforts towards establishment of diagnostic test, generation of new database, development and scale up of laboratory services are needed throughout the nation.