When RAS is not mutated, it’s called Wild Type and denoted WT. We all have WT or unmutated RAS genes and proteins in all cells in our bodies, where they do important things for our cells to function.

As a stage IV patient, if you don’t know the RAS status of your tumor, it is important for you to find out. If your tumor is RAS mutated, a class of drugs called EGFR inhibitors (eg., cetuximab, panitumumab) may not work for you. If your tumor has a KRAS G12C mutation, there are clinical trials that you could check out. Trials are also testing drugs against G12D and other mutations as well.

We have the RAS Clinic in COLONTOWN! This neighborhood is a great place where members can post their RAS mutation information, find others who have the same RAS mutations, learn about clinical trials that are available and people’s experiences with RAS mutated colorectal cancer. 

Unlike in stage IV patients, RAS status does not change treatments that non-metastatic colorectal cancer patients receive, but it’s important for patients with RAS mutated non-metastatic CRC to stay on top of surveillance, which is monitoring after the end of treatment. Using multiple tools such as ctDNA, tumor markers, scans, colonoscopies etc for surveillance may be a good idea.

When did you learn about the RAS status of your tumor? What has been the most challenging part of it for you? Tell us your experiences in comments below.

I will be back soon with another #CTUinCT post. Meanwhile, please don’t forget to read my KRAS & Kardashian post from a few years ago..screenshot below.

Until then, take care! #ToLife! #ToScience!

— Dr. George