About 30–35% of NSCLC adenocarcinomas have KRAS mutations, making KRAS the most common driver mutation in lung cancer. NSCLC stands for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. It’s the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for about 85% of all lung cancer cases. KRAS is one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes across solid tumors, not just NSCLC. According to a landmark analysis in Cancer Discovery (Prior et al., 2012) and supported by newer datasets like The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), KRAS mutations occur prominently in: ✅ Pancreatic cancer ~90% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas harbor KRAS mutations — overwhelmingly G12D, G12V, and G12R subtypes. KRAS mutations are considered the foundational event in pancreatic cancer initiation. ✅ Colorectal cancer (CRC) ~40% of metastatic colorectal cancers carry KRAS mutations (mostly G12D, G12V, and G13D). Mutations confer resistance to anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies (cetuximab, panitumumab) — a critical point for treatment decisions. ✅ Appendiceal cancer KRAS mutations are frequent in low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms and pseudomyxoma peritonei. ✅ Ovarian cancer (especially mucinous subtype) Mucinous ovarian carcinomas show KRAS mutations in ~40-50% of cases, with G12D and G12V being the most common. ✅ Other sites Gallbladder & bile duct cancers: ~15-30% with KRAS mutations. Endometrial carcinoma: KRAS mutations in a subset, especially endometrioid subtypes. Small intestine adenocarcinomas: rare but can harbor KRAS mutations. “Mutations in the three RAS genes (KRAS, NRAS, HRAS) are found in about 30% of all human cancers, making them among the most common drivers of human cancer.” 🔗 RAS Initiative – National Cancer Institute (NCI) https://www.cancer.gov/research/key-initiatives/ras 💡 Key takeaway: RAS mutations are among the single most common oncogenic events in all cancers, but the distribution and significance differ by cancer type. KRAS mutations can occur in some blood (hematologic) cancers, but they’re uncommon overall compared to their frequency in solid tumors like lung, pancreatic, or colorectal cancers. Sources: 🔬 Prior et al., 2012 — Landmark survey of RAS mutations across cancers Citation: Prior IA, Lewis PD, Mattos C. A comprehensive survey of Ras mutations in cancer. Cancer Res. 2012;72(10):2457–2467. Official source link: https://aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article/72/10/2457/572799/A-Comprehensive-Survey-of-Ras-Mutations-in-Cancer 🔬 The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) — Comprehensive cancer mutation datasets Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network. Nature. 2014;511(7511):543–550. Official source link: https://www.nature.com/articles/nature13385 https://www.cancer.gov/about-nci/organization/ccg/research/structural-genomics/tcga

🔎 What does something like KRAS G12C mean? It’s actually easy once you know: KRAS = the gene involved. G12C breaks down like this: G means Glycine is normally at that spot. 12 is the position in the protein. C means Glycine has changed to Cysteine. So G12C = Glycine at position 12 → changed to Cysteine. This small change can act like a stuck “on” switch for cancer growth — that’s why it’s so important. 🔠 Amino Acid Shortcuts Doctors and labs use one-letter and three-letter codes for amino acids — the building blocks of proteins in your body. The most common ones : ✅ G = Glycine (Gly) ✅ C = Cysteine (Cys) ✅ D = Aspartic acid (Asp) ✅ V = Valine (Val) ✅ A = Alanine (Ala) ✅ Q = Glutamine (Gln) ✅ S= Serine (Ser) ✅ R= Arginine (Arg) …and many more! (Tip: If you see a single letter, it’s just the shorthand for an amino acid name.) ✅ Why does it matter? Knowing your exact mutation helps your doctor find targeted treatments or clinical trials designed for that specific change. 🔎 It’s more than a letter — it’s a whole new building block! When you see a report saying KRAS G12C, it means the amino acid at position 12 changed from Glycine (G) to Cysteine (C). ✅ Why is this important? Glycine is the smallest, most flexible amino acid — like a tiny Lego block that helps proteins bend and move freely. Cysteine is much bigger and has a “sticky” sulfur group that can form bonds (called disulfide bonds) with other cysteines. Swapping Glycine for Cysteine doesn’t just change one letter — it gives the protein a new shape and behavior, like replacing a rubber joint with a metal bolt. In KRAS, this tiny swap locks the protein in an “on” position, telling cells to grow uncontrollably — a key driver of cancer. 🔬 Bottom line: A one-letter difference hides a big change in chemistry. This is why knowing exactly which amino acid is there (G12C, G12D, etc.) helps doctors choose the right targeted therapy or trial. 💬 Easy way to understand it: It is not one letter difference, it is a completely different ingredient! Swapping one ingredient for another in a recipe — changing salt to sugar might sound small, but it can completely change the final dish.

🔎 Standard protein abbreviations ✅ KRAS protein → K-Ras ✅ NRAS protein → N-Ras ✅ HRAS protein → H-Ras These names are the conventional protein abbreviations used in both scientific papers and clinical reports. The dash “-” is commonly included in protein notation (K-Ras), while the gene names are often written without (KRAS). 🧬 Other notations you might see: In test reports: “KRAS exon 2 G12C mutation” (shows exact DNA location & mutation). In research papers: KRAS p.G12D, NRAS Q61K, etc. (p. indicates protein-level change). Sometimes grouped as just “RAS mutations”, meaning any of the three genes. ⚠️ Key point for patients: All these variations refer to the same three RAS family genes. Always ask your doctor which specific gene (KRAS, NRAS, or HRAS) is mutated and what subtype (e.g., G12D, Q61L) — because treatment options can differ.

❓ What is KRAS and why does it matter in lung cancer? KRAS is a gene that controls cell growth. When it’s mutated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), it can cause cancer cells to grow uncontrollably. KRAS mutations are driver mutations, meaning they play a central role in causing and sustaining cancer.

When doctors say you have a “RAS mutation,” they’re talking about changes in one of three related genes: ✅ KRAS — the most commonly mutated RAS gene; often seen in pancreatic, colorectal, lung, and other cancers. ✅ NRAS — more often found in melanoma (skin cancer) and some blood cancers like leukemia. ✅ HRAS — less common, but mutations can appear in head & neck, bladder, and thyroid cancers. These three genes — KRAS, NRAS, and HRAS — belong to the RAS family, which controls how cells grow and divide. When any of them is mutated, it can cause cells to grow uncontrollably, leading to cancer. KRAS, NRAS, and HRAS are the three RAS genes. Knowing which one (if any) is mutated can help doctors decide on treatment options, including targeted therapies or clinical trials. “Mutations in the three RAS genes (KRAS, NRAS, HRAS) are found in about 30% of all human cancers, making them among the most common drivers of human cancer.” 🔗 RAS Initiative – National Cancer Institute (NCI) https://www.cancer.gov/research/key-initiatives/ras

A biomarker is a way to tell what kind of mutation is driving the cancer in a patient. When a doctor understands the cancer’s composition, they can help tailor your treatment to your specific composition.

You can ask your doctor.

The results will be sent to your doctor and your doctor will interpret the test results for you.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is an alliance of 28 leading cancer centers. Their doctors have developed patient guidelines based on the latest research. These documents outline the basics of lung cancer, treatment options, and how to make treatment decisions. Here’s the NCCN Patient’s Guide (early stage) https://www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/content/PDF/lung-early-stage-patient.pdf Here’s the NCCN Patient’s Guide (metastatic stage)

KRAS Kickers is here to help you connect with others. We offer support to patients and their loved ones. We also have a private support group on Facebook. We also have regular events, including networking events, zoom meetings with prominent KRAS oncologists, and conferences.

A biomarker is the analysis of your cancer. KRAS is the most common type of biomarker for all cancers. Identifying what is your biomarker give your healthcare team information about the best types of treatments. Some biomarkers respond to one medication, others do not. KRAS G12C, KRAS G12D and KRAS G12V are the most common KRAS biomarkers. Being similar because they are KRAS, they each a little different based upon the subtype. The same KRAS neighborhood, but different address. Research is being done on all of these subtypes and others. Learn more!

You need to ask your doctor for the results from your comprehensive biomarker testing. It may be necessary for you to contact the specific lab company that performed the test. Common companies are: Foundation, Guardant, Caris and LabCorp. It is a good idea to get the full indepth report. Either your Doctor or the lab will provide assistance in understanding your results.

A second opinion is especially helpful from a specialist from a large research setting. Right now treatments, research and clinical trials are happening quickly for KRAS treatments. Only a doctor that specializes in that area will have that knowledge. Doctors are used to a peer review for their patients' cases. Although it may feel awkward, your doctor also wants what is best for you. This gives them an opportunity to make sure you are on the best treatment for you.

If you are seeking treatment at a regional cancer center, consider getting your second opinion at a facility designated by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network as a Comprehensive Cancer Center (www.nccn.org/members/network.aspx).

KRASkickers is here to help you connect with others. We offer support from patients and their loved one. We also have a private support group on facebook group. We also have regular events, including networking events, zoom meetings with prominent KRAS oncologists, and con

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is an alliance of 28 leading cancer centers. Their doctors have developed patient guidelines based on the latest research. These documents outline the basics of lung cancer, treatment options, and how to make treatment decisions. Here’s the NCCN Patient’s Guide (early stage) https://www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/content/PDF/lung-early-stage-patient.pdf Here’s the NCCN Patient’s Guide (metastatic stage)

KRAS Kickers is a community dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals affected by KRAS mutations, particularly in lung, colorectal, and other cancers. It serves as a hub for knowledge sharing, research advocacy, and survivorship support, bringing together patients, doctors, researchers, and advocates to kick cancer's KRAS mutation.

Throughout this site, we apply the terms—Survivor, Patient, Patient Advocate, and others—interchangeably. Please let us know if there is another term we should add to our description of our amazing community. On the website and in our resources, we respect the individual preferences of people in the cancer community. While one person may have a personal preference for the term “Survivor,” another may think that term does not apply to them. Some do not consider themselves a survivor until five years after their diagnosis; others, until they are out of treatment. Others prefer the term “living with lung cancer.”