Effect of STAT3 status on RAS & RAF mutation in patients with metastatic colon carcinoma

Abstract

Objective: Colon adenocarcinomas are the most common gastrointestinal tract malignancy and constitute one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. STAT3 is a transcription factor activated by many cytokines and growth factors and plays a crucial role in cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. In this research, we aimed to elucidate the molecular properties of colon tumors. Materials & Methods:A total of 196 patients with metastatic colon tumors whose samples were analyzed for KRAS, NRAS, and BFAF between 2016 and 2022 have been investigated in this retrospective study. The samples were analyzed via polymerase chain reaction(PCR)at our institution. STAT3 has been processed to all cases immunohistochemically, and staining intensities were graded.The results were compared with prognostic factors such as tumor molecular characteristics, lymph node status, grade, location, and diameter. Results: A total of 196 patients, 79 (40.3%) female and 117 (59.7%) male, were included in the evaluation within the scope of the study. There was no significant difference between STAT3 staining intensities in terms of demographic characteristics. On the contrary, there was a statistically significant relationship regarding tumor grades (p<0.05). KRAS mutation was found in 40.8% of the patients (n=80), NRAS mutation was found in 2% (n=4), and BRAF mutation was found in 4.1% (n=8). It was determined that there was a statistically significant relationship between KRAS and STAT3 grades of mutations (p<0.05). It is seen that KRAS positivity increases as the STAT3 staining intensity of the patients increases. There was no statistically significant correlation between other mutation results and STAT3 grades. Conclusion:In light of the findings obtained from our study and previous literature, it has been determined that routine STAT3 gene screening is a necessity before the treatment is determined.