Özet:

Objective: Colon adenocarcinoma, one of the most frequent malignant tumors of the gastrointestinal system, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. As KRAS mutations are encountered in 30-40% of colorectal carcinomas, a mutation screening is required before therapy commences. In this study, we aim to determine KRAS codon 12, 13 and 61 mutations in moderately differentiated colon adenocarcinomas and assess whether these mutations are associated with lymph node metastases. Materials and methods: A total of 120 moderately differentiated colorectal carcinomas, 60 with lymph node metastases and 60 without, were included. Samples underwent PCR with appropriate primers and Sanger sequencing was carried out to determine their KRAS mutation status. Results: Out of the 120 cases included in our study, 40 carried codon 12, 5 carried codon 13 mutations. In total, 37.5% of cases had a KRAS mutation (45/120). No mutation was detected in codon 61. Conclusion: Our study has not shown a significant association between the presence of KRAS mutations and lymph node metastasis. This study was conducted in a limited number of patients and in a pre-defined, small area; but can be used as a preliminary step for multicenter and larger studies.

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