KRAS-mutant cancers
We are still elucidating the signalling pathways and complex circuitry surrounding the most common mutated oncogene we observe in human malignancies. KRAS driver mutations underlie 20% of human malignancies and the journey here has been a true example of bench to bedside science. For example, in the last few years, we've observed that mutations in KRAS predict resistance to anti-EGFR therapeutics in colon cancer. Earlier this year, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the first ever KRAS inhibitor for use in patients, in this case non-small cell lung cancer. More KRAS inhibitors will be approved, each targeting specific amino acid changes in its structure, a true example of personalised, tailored precision medicine. The accumulation of knowledge here exemplifies how understanding basic science and mechanisms, ultimately can extend the quality and quantity of life of those living with cancer, and contribute to increasing the cure rate.
The below collection of articles represents key research in this area published in the journals Oncogene, Oncogenesis Leukemia and Cancer Gene Therapy. The editors welcome future submissions to expand this collection further.
