NRAS Gene Analysis

Function

The NRAS Gene Analysis test identifies mutations in the NRAS gene, which belongs to the RAS oncogene family. This gene provides instructions for making a protein that is involved in cell signaling pathways that control cell growth, cell division, and cell survival. When the NRAS gene is mutated, it can produce an overactive protein that leads to uncontrolled cell proliferation, a hallmark of cancer.

Why it is Ordered

NRAS testing is primarily ordered for patients diagnosed with certain types of cancer, most notably metastatic colorectal cancer and melanoma. In colorectal cancer, knowing the mutation status of the NRAS gene (along with KRAS) is critical for determining whether the patient will respond to certain targeted therapies, such as anti-EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) monoclonal antibodies like cetuximab or panitumumab. In melanoma, NRAS mutations occur in about 15-20% of cases and help in prognostic assessment and the identification of clinical trial eligibility.

Associated Conditions

• Colorectal Cancer: Mutations in NRAS are predictive markers for resistance to anti-EGFR therapies.
• Melanoma: NRAS mutations are the second most common genetic driver after BRAF mutations.
• Thyroid Cancer: NRAS mutations are occasionally found in follicular thyroid carcinomas.
• Hematologic Malignancies: Certain types of leukemia may exhibit NRAS mutations affecting disease progression.