V-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog also known as KRAS is a protein which in humans is encoded by the KRAS gene. KRAS has been extensively studied in a wide array of human malignancies, including mCRC. Mutant KRAS can be detected in approximately 30-50% of colorectal cancers. The Ras-Raf-MAPK pathway lies just downstream of EGFR.

The BRAF (V600E) mutation analysis is predictive for anti-EGFR therapies (i.e., cetuximab and panitumumab). BRAF mutations account for approximately 12-15% of colorectal cancer patients.

We have found a novel fusion product between the echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like4 (EML4) and the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). Tumors featuring EML4-ALK fusion constitute one subtype of NSCLC that might be highly sensitive to ALK inhibitors. Herein, we present results of a first large scale study of EML4-ALK fusion in lung cancers.