Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy. The MAPK signaling pathway, with key genes KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF, plays an essential role in regulating cell proliferation and survival. Mutations in these genes are important biological factors, influencing prognosis and treatment response, especially to anti-EGFR therapy. However, data on the mutational characteristics of these genes in Vietnamese CRC patients are limited.

Methods: A descriptive, retrospective study was conducted, including all CRC patients indicated for KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF gene testing at Bach Mai Hospital from March 2015 to March 2025.

Results: Among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, the mutation rates for the KRAS and BRAF genes were 46.6% and 5.2%, respectively. In the subset of patients with wild-type KRAS/BRAF, the mutation rate for the NRAS gene was 8.6%. Statistically significant associations were found between KRAS mutations and gender, and poorly cohesive carcinoma; and between BRAF mutations and age, and gender.

Conclusion: Among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, the mutation rates for the KRAS and BRAF genes were 46.6% and 5.2%, respectively. In the subset of patients with wild-type KRAS/BRAF, the mutation rate for the NRAS gene was 8.6%. Statistically significant associations were observed between KRAS mutations and gender, and poorly cohesive carcinoma histology; and between BRAF mutations and age, and gender.