Análise da variabilidade genética do gene KRAS em pacientes portadores de câncer colorretal do Rio Grande do Sul.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in humans and the numbers keep growing, to be a serious public health problem. The CCR is approached by many researchers, either by epidemiological surveys aimed at alerting health authorities to genetic studies, such as those who study the pharmacogenetics and changes that lead to proliferation of aberrant cells may lead to resistance to therapies with monoclonal antibodies. KRAS is a gene that has gained much in focus today, because of point mutations in exons 2, 3 and 4 leading to amino acid exchange, changing the whole sequence of the Ras protein. The modified Ras protein in this way does not stop the phosphorylation process in proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis and keeps sending stimulating MAPK (Mitogen Activated Protein Kinases) thus producing abnormal cells, activating the mechanisms of angiogenesis and the formation of malignant tumors that can affect individuals in different stages of life. Clinical research identifying polymorphisms in KRAS have been held around the world and have proved effective in detecting polymorphisms that direct first-line treatment for metastatic RCC (mRCC). This study aimed to evaluate the genetic variability of polymorphisms in the KRAS gene in RCC patients treated in Santa Cruz do Sul, analyze the epidemiological profile of the target population and to correlate clinical findings with therapeutic agents used. A total of 09 samples were analyzed by sequencing, and 07 (77.8%) of surgery and 02 (22.3%) of colonoscopy. Of individuals included in the survey 11.1% polymorphism in the KRAS gene at codon 12 of exon 02. As to the epidemiological characteristics the average age of the included patients was 62.63 years ranging from 50 to 73 years and a family history of CRC It was reported by 33.3% of patients. Epidemiological surveys are important to identify risk factors and assist in public health campaigns, thus realizing the points needed to be addressed, as well as genetic characterization, as KRAS is able to predict clearly a patient's response to treatment. Future prospects are increasing the number of samples, standardize a cheaper technique and with the same sensitivity, in addition to seeking the treatments of patients to correlate with the genetic findings.