Cancer Lett  1998 Apr 24;126(2):179-85 

Role of K-ras mutations in colorectal carcinoma.

Chiang JM.

Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei,
Taiwan.

In order to investigate whether two common types of colorectal cancer with
different gross appearances share the same incidence of K-ras mutation, the
occurrence of a point mutation in codon 12 or codon 13 of the K-ras oncogene was
determined in 50 cases of colorectal carcinoma. The PCR technique was employed,
followed by RFLP analysis and sequencing to identify specific point mutations.
No correlation was found between the presence of a K-ras gene mutation and
histological parameters. A strong association was found between K-ras mutations
and the gross polypoid appearance of colorectal carcinoma (polypoid 73% versus
ulcerative 8%). The results indicate a preferential association with the K-ras
oncogene involved in polypoid type colorectal carcinoma.

PMID: 9585064 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]