BACKGROUND: In certain non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) populations, codon 12 
mutations of the KRAS oncogene comprising mostly G-T transversions have 
diagnostic and prognostic value. However, it is not known if these findings are 
applicable to all populations of lung cancer patients.
AIMS: To examine for KRAS codon 12 mutations in Australian NSCLC patients.
METHODS: Tumour samples and corresponding normal lung tissue from 108 Australian 
patients with NSCLC undergoing curative resection were studied for mutations of 
KRAS codon 12 using a sensitive PCR assay. Mutations were confirmed by DNA 
sequencing and correlated with histological subtype, tumour stage, the presence 
of nodal metastases and survival.
RESULTS: Eleven KRAS codon 12 mutations were detected in 108 NSCLCs, with most 
(8/11) occurring in the adenocarcinoma subtype (17% prevalence), but were not 
associated with adverse outcome or clinico-pathological features. G-T 
transversions were surprisingly infrequent (37% of adenocarcinoma mutations).
CONCLUSIONS: These data add to the evidence suggesting geographical differences 
in the spectrum and significance of KRAS codon 12 mutational genotypes in NSCLC. 
While these may be due to genetic variation and/or differences in carcinogen 
exposure, there is a need for larger population based studies before this 
potentially important biomarker can be recommended universally for optimising 
lung cancer management.