Relationship Between KRAS Gene Mutation Status and Clinicopathological Features of Colorectal Cancer Patients in Makassar

<ns3:p>Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignancy originating from the epithelial lining of the colon and rectal mucosa, with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. KRAS gene mutations play a significant role in CRC carcinogenesis and affect therapeutic responses. This study aimed to determine the relationship between KRAS gene mutation status and clinicopathological features of CRC patients in Makassar. Methods This was an observational analytic study with a retrospective cohort design using medical record data and KRAS gene mutation examination results. The study was conducted at Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo General Hospital and its network hospitals from May 2025 until the sample size was fulfilled. Thirty-three patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma who met the inclusion criteria were included. KRAS mutation status was assessed using PCR from paraffin-block tissue samples. Data analysis used chi-square test, Fisher exact test, independent T-test, Mann-Whitney, and logistic regression with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results Most subjects were aged ≥50 years (75.8%) and male (54.5%). KRAS mutant type was found in 42.4% of patients and wild type in 57.6%. There was no significant relationship between KRAS mutation status and histological grading (p = 0.607). However, a significant relationship was found between KRAS mutation status and tumor location (p = 0.040). KRAS mutant type was predominantly located in the right colon (64.3%), while KRAS wild type was predominantly located in the left colon (73.7%). Conclusions KRAS gene mutation status is significantly associated with tumor location but not with histological grading in colorectal cancer patients. KRAS mutant type is predominantly found in right-sided tumors, while KRAS wild type is predominantly found in left-sided tumors.</ns3:p>