NRAS Mutation Detection PCR

What is NRAS Mutation?

NRAS stands for Neuroblastoma- RAS. 

NRAS gene is a commonly mutated proto-oncogene in humans, resulting in cancer. NRAS mutations are generally seen in colorectal cancer.

The NRAS gene is found to be mutated in an additional 10-15% of patients. The other ~50% of patients have a non-mutated (also called “wild type”) RAS genes.

Why Is NRAS Mutation Test Done?

The NRAS is a member of the RAS oncogene family which has an essential role in the development and also contributes to a continued growth of colorectal cancer.

It has been seen, that the widespread colorectal cancer is often treated with the chemotherapy and the patients might then receive several sequential courses for the different types of chemotherapy procedure as the disease would further progress.

For patients with the widespread disease of Colorectal Cancer, the NRAS Mutation is seen to cause a poor prognosis with only 10% of patients alive 5 years post the diagnosis.

So, in order to understand whether a tumor would be carrying a RAS mutation(s), this test is carried out. 

Note: It has also been seen that the NRAS mutation might be resistant to certain or specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

What Sample Is Collected for NRAS Mutation PCR?

The following samples are collected for NRAS quantitative PCR:

• Blood from vein
• Biopsy tissue sample- solid tumor tissue
• Bone marrow sample

How Is NRAS Mutation Detected by PCR?

Real Time PCR : 

24 different mutations in NRAS can be detected simultaneously in the laboratory using a Real Time PCR machine, operated by a skilled technician.

How to Prepare for NRAS Mutation PCR Test?

There is no specific preparation required for NRAS mutation PCR. Let your healthcare professional know about the following:

• Medical history
• Medication
• Family history

Report :

• Report is available within 24 hours of sample collection.
• Report is available digitally.
• 100% accurate reports

This test can normally detect the heterozygous mutation if it is present in more than about 5% of cells in the given sample. 

It is seen that the majority (97%) of mutations involve the codons 12, 13, and 61.

It is majorly involved in colorectal cancer followed by melanoma.

Procedure for NRAS

Using Bone Marrow Aspiration

Detect mononuclear cells in the bone marrow sample, if NRAS mutation gene is present in the patient’s body

Blood Test

• 2ml blood sample would be taken from your arm vein using the hold of a tight rubber band
• Once, the sample has been received by the doctor, it would be further be analyzed for the result. In case, the result is positive- there would be a display of the mutated oncogene
• Some medical laboratories perform NRAS mutation testing on the tumor tissue and on bone marrow and also the blood. 

Note: The research has evaluated the role of the NRAS mutations in treatment response. It has been to be based solely on tumor testing. 

Therefore, the preferred sample for the NRAS testing is considered to be tumor tissue even though blood tests may be conducted

Preferred Method using Biopsy 

Once the biopsy sample has been received, the next steps are as follows:

1. Isolating the DNA from the tumor biopsies, in paraffin-embedded sections (FFPE), or the fresh frozen tumors.
2. Amplification of the regions of NRAS gene using the allele-specific primers.
3. Detecting the amplification product using a Real-Time PCR instrument.

Using Bone Marrow Aspiration

Detect mononuclear cells in the bone marrow sample, if NRAS mutation gene is present in the patient’s body.

What Is the Cost of NRAS Mutation PCR Test?

The cost of this test varies from lab to lab. The best place to get this test done is Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre. The cost is reasonable and you can also avail FLAT 50% discount.