Video

Mutation Testing for Colorectal Cancer

Cathy Eng, professor and director, Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, says mutation testing is done to determine which, if any, therapies could be used in addition to chemotherapy.

KRAS mutations are very common — occurring in about 30 to 50 percent of patients — and can help a physician steer away from certain expensive drugs.

BRAF mutations are not common and occur in about 5 to 8 percent of patients. A BRAF mutation signifies to a physician that a patient must be treated aggressively upfront.

Unfortunately, Eng says, not all mutations can be targeted with a specific drug.


Newsletter

Stay up to date on cancer updates, research and education

Related Videos
Image of man with black hair.
Dr. Andreas M. Kaiser is a professor and chief of the Division of Colorectal Surgery in the Department of Surgery at City of Hope comprehensive cancer center in Duarte, California.
Image of woman with blonde hair.
Image of Dr. Fakih.
Image of Doctor with blonde hair.
Dr. Suneel Kamath is an assistant professor of medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, in Ohio.
Image of Dr. Scott Kopetz
Image of woman with black hair.
Related Content