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KRAS

KRAS is a gene that carries instructions for making the K-Ras protein, part of a cell-signaling pathway (RAS/MAPK) that helps control cell growth and division.

KRAS is a gene that provides instructions for making a protein called K-Ras, which is part of a cell-signaling pathway known as the RAS/MAPK pathway that helps relay signals controlling cell growth and division. Certain acquired (somatic) changes in the KRAS gene are involved in the development of several types of cancer, particularly pancreatic and colorectal cancers. Because of this role, KRAS is one of the genes doctors may look at when characterizing a tumor.

Per NCI, biomarker testing (which examines genes such as KRAS) "may help you and your doctor choose a cancer treatment for you."

This is general information from authoritative sources, not medical advice. What a specific test result means for your case is a question for your treating oncologist.

Verify at
KRAS — what it is (opens in a new tab)MedlinePlus (NLM)
KRAS — testing purpose (opens in a new tab)National Cancer Institute
Last updated 2026-07-10 · 2 sources · How this page is built · Report an error