KRAS Gene Mutations in Relation to Development and Progression of Non-small Cell Lung Carcinoma in Indian Kashmiri Population

Background: The most common molecular alterations observed in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) lie in the mutations of KRAS gene. In this study, we have screened prospectively all newly diagnosed patients with NSCLC (n = 70) and blood samples of these patients were collected from Sheri-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS). Methods: Blood DNA was extracted and amplified by ASO PCR and finally sequenced to detect KRAS mutations. Results: We found 30% prevalence of KRAS mutation rate of NSCLC in the Kashmiri population. The significant association was seen between KRAS gene mutation and histological types of lung cancer. The higher frequency was seen in ADC than SCC and show statistically significant difference (P < 0.01). Also the higher frequency of KRAS (exon 2) mutation was reported in NSCLC patients in advanced stage than the early stages. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was reported between smokers and non-smokers with respect to the KRAS (exon 2) mutation (P < 0.01). The significantly higher frequency of this mutation was reported in NSCLC patients (29.16%) with metastasis (P < 0.03). Conclusion: We finally found that KRAS (exon 2) mutation is a common molecular alteration in NSCLC and occurs most predominantly on codon 12, 13.