Dr. Braghioli on Molecular Characterization of CRC Tumors

Maria Ignez Braghiroli, MD, medical oncologist, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, discusses a study exploring the various molecular characteristics of colorectal cancer (CRC) tumors.

For the study, researchers were trying to molecularly characterize the types of CRC tumors to individualize treatment, Braghiroli says. Patients were selected if they were found to harbor an NRAS mutation from 2008 to 2015 and were treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. This included 87 patients; 3 were excluded because they harbored KRAS mutations. This population was then compared with clinical characteristics, molecular characteristics, and outcomes to treatment with those who harbored a KRAS mutation and all wild-type tumors.

Outside of this trial, there have been several studies focused on immunotherapy, which is very exciting, she adds.