Targeting KRAS – a developmental therapeutic highlight

KRAS, part of the Ras superfamily, is an oncogene that is mutated in a significant portion of cancer cases. The protein functions as a GTPase, acting as a molecular switch that regulates cell proliferation, growth, and survival. Mutations in KRAS are associated with poor prognosis. Targeting the KRAS protein has been a substantial hurdle for many years. The clinical landscape of KRAS-targeted therapies has recently seen promising developments (1). Swissmedic’s approval of sotorasib, a drug specifically targeting the KRASG12C mutation, marks a significant milestone, as this has become a new 2nd-line treatment option in KRASG12C mutated metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we summarize a phase 1 study, presented at the ESMO annual meeting 2023, of a promising new panRAS inhibitor.