wild-type KRAS gene

A term used to describe a gene called KRAS when it is found in its natural, non-mutated (unchanged) form. The KRAS gene makes a protein called KRAS, which is involved in cell signaling pathways that control cell growth, cell maturation, and cell death (apoptosis). Mutated (changed) forms of the KRAS gene have been found in some types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colorectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Knowing whether a patient’s tumor has a wild-type or mutated KRAS gene may help plan cancer treatment.