Ras oncogene mutations and survival in patients with lung cancer
2006

Ras Mutations and Lung Cancer Survival

Sample size: 36 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Ferretti G, Felici A, Cognetti F

Primary Institution: Regina Elena Cancer Institute

Hypothesis

What is the prognostic significance of ras mutations in lung cancer survival?

Conclusion

Ras mutations may be a poor prognostic factor for survival in non-small-cell lung cancer, but results are inconsistent.

Supporting Evidence

  • Ras mutations were found in 19.4% of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer.
  • Ras gene alteration appears to be a poor prognostic factor for survival in NSCLC.
  • Patients with K-ras mutant NSCLC showed poorer clinical outcomes when treated with erlotinib and chemotherapy.
  • In some studies, K-ras mutations were not predictive markers of shorter survival.

Takeaway

Some lung cancer patients have a gene change called ras that might make their cancer worse, but scientists are still figuring out how important it is.

Methodology

Data from retrospective trials and univariate analysis were aggregated.

Limitations

The prognostic significance of ras mutations remains controversial and needs further confirmation in prospective trials.

Participant Demographics

Patients with primary operable non-small-cell lung cancer.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6603112

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