Imaging features associated with survival outcomes among colorectal cancer patients with and without KRAS mutation

Background Mutations in Kirsten rat sarcoma proto-oncogene (KRAS) have been shown to be associated with advanced-stage colorectal cancer (CRC), negative disease outcomes, and poor response to treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate which CT features are biomarkers for KRAS gene mutation and impact the survival outcomes of colorectal cancer patients. Results Of the 113 CRC patients included in the study, 46 had KRAS mutations (40.71%) and 67 had no mutations (59.29%). Regional lymph node necrosis was the only imaging feature significantly associated with KRAS mutation ( P = 0.011). Higher T staging and liver, lung, and distant metastasis were prognostic factors for CRC ( P = 0.014, P < 0.001, P = 0.022, P < 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences in overall survival between patients with KRAS mutations and those without ( P = 0.159). However, in patients with no KRAS mutation, those with CRC on the left side had a significantly higher rate of survival than those with CRC on the right ( P = 0.005). Conclusion Regional lymph node necrosis may be an imaging biomarker of CRC with KRAS mutation, possibly indicating poor prognosis.