A cross-sectional study examining the expression of splice variants K-RAS4A and K-RAS4B in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients.

Objectives: Mammalian cells differently express 4 RAS isoforms: H-RAS, N-RAS, K-RAS4A and K-RAS4B, which are important in promoting oncogenic processes when mutated. In lung cancer, the K-RAS isoform is the most frequently altered RAS protein, being also a difficult therapeutic target. Interestingly, there are two K-RAS splice variants (K-RAS4A and K-RAS4B) and little is known about the role of K-RAS4A.

Survival data in elderly patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

Combined chemoradiation (CRT) is the standard therapy in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Nevertheless, the best approach in the elderly population is still poorly defined. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of elderly (≥ 65 years) patients with unresectable, locally advanced NSCLC, diagnosed at the Brazilian National Cancer Institute between 2003 and 2007.