Colorectal Cancer Coalition

ASCO Issues Opinion on KRAS Testing

An panel of experts at the American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends that all patients who are being considered for anti-EGFR therapy have their tumors tested for the KRAS gene. If mutations are found, the panel says they should not be treated with Erbitux® (cetuximab) or Vectibix™ (panitumumab).

The recommendation is a provisional clinical opinion reflecting consensus on current evidence and is designed to help doctors and patients make decisions about treatment.

The panel said,

Based on systematic reviews of the relevant literature, all patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma who are candidates for anti-EGFR antibody therapy should have their tumor tested for KRAS mutations in a CLIA-accredited laboratory. If KRAS mutation in codon 12 or 13 is detected, then patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma should not receive anti-EGFR antibody therapy as part of their treatment.

Members of the panel included C3 patient advocate Dr. Pamela McAllister.

This news article was originally posted on January 15th, 2009 and was accurate at the time of publication. Since then, information may have changed or links may now be outdated. Please call our Answer Line 1-877-427-2111 for the latest information, or talk to your doctor before making any medical decisions.

Posted by Kate Murphy on January 15th, 2009
Tags: ASCO, KRAS

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