Distinct clinical outcomes and biological features of specific KRAS mutants in human pancreatic cancer.

Publication Type Academic Article
Authors McIntyre C, Grimont A, Park J, Meng Y, Sisso W, Seier K, Jang G, Walch H, Aveson V, Falvo D, Fall W, Chan C, Wenger A, Ecker B, Pulvirenti A, Gelfer R, Zafra M, Schultz N, Park W, O'Reilly E, Houlihan S, Alonso A, Hissong E, Church G, Mason C, Siolas D, Notta F, Gonen M, Dow L, Jarnagin W, Chandwani R
Journal Cancer Cell
Volume 42
Issue 9
Pagination 1614-1629.e5
Date Published 08/29/2024
ISSN 1878-3686
Keywords Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras), Pancreatic Neoplasms, Mutation, Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal
Abstract KRAS mutations in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are suggested to vary in oncogenicity but the implications for human patients have not been explored in depth. We examined 1,360 consecutive PDAC patients undergoing surgical resection and find that KRASG12R mutations are enriched in early-stage (stage I) disease, owing not to smaller tumor size but increased node-negativity. KRASG12R tumors are associated with decreased distant recurrence and improved survival as compared to KRASG12D. To understand the biological underpinnings, we performed spatial profiling of 20 patients and bulk RNA-sequencing of 100 tumors, finding enhanced oncogenic signaling and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in KRASG12D and increased nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling in KRASG12R tumors. Orthogonal studies of mouse KrasG12R PDAC organoids show decreased migration and improved survival in orthotopic models. KRAS alterations in PDAC are thus associated with distinct presentation, clinical outcomes, and biological behavior, highlighting the prognostic value of mutational analysis and the importance of articulating mutation-specific PDAC biology.
DOI 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.08.002
PubMed ID 39214094
PubMed Central ID PMC11419252
Back to Top