Many gene mutations are associated with non-small cell lung cancer, including the gene KRAS, which is important for cell growth and division and is mutated in 30% of cases.

Patients with tumors that have these mutations have shorter survival times and often become resistant to therapies.

New research on KRAS mutations

In a study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, University of Michigan researchers found a new protein target and developed a drug to treat non-small cell lung cancers that have KRAS mutations.

“There are several FDA-approved drugs that target KRAS in pancreatic, colon and lung cancer,” said Goutham Narla, Louis Newburgh Research Professor of Internal Medicine and member of Rogel Cancer Center.