Intersecting evidence - Bibliometric analysis and clinical trials illuminate immunotherapy in KRAS-mutation cancer - A review

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Ophelia

KRAS mutations are central to the development and progression of multiple cancers, yet managing KRAS-mutant tumors remains difficult despite targeted-therapy advances. This review integrates bibliometric analysis with a comprehensive survey of clinical trials to map emerging immunotherapies for KRAS-related cancers. Publications from January 2008 to March 2023 were analyzed using Web of Science Core Collection and Citespace, alongside 52 trials from ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO registries, focusing on immune checkpoint blockades and novel approaches. Results emphasize tumor immune microenvironment research and precision therapy, highlighting ICB effectiveness and the promise of T-cell receptor T-cell therapy and vaccines. Combination regimens and multidisciplinary strategies are advocated, with future work integrating genetic, immunological, and computational studies.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages12

Reading Time30 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

KRAS mutations and cancer relevance

Targeted therapy limitations and emerging trial data

Mechanistic rationale for immunotherapy

Study support and publication notes

® Narrative Review Intersecting evidence: Bibliometric analysis and clinical trials illuminate immunotherapy in KRASmutation cancer A review Hongyang Liu, BSca , Min Qiang, BSca , Ying Zhang, MMb , Hong Wang, MDb , Yang Xing, BSca , Rui Guo, MDc ,* | Abstract
KRAS mutations play a critical role in the development and progression of several cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. Despite advancements in targeted therapies, the management of KRAS-mutant tumors remains challenging. This study leverages bibliometric analysis and a comprehensive review of clinical trials to identify emerging immunotherapies and potential treatments for KRAS-related cancers. Using the Web of Science Core Collection and Citespace, we analyzed publications from January 2008 to March 2023 alongside 52 clinical trials from ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO’s registry, concentrating on immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) and novel therapies. Our study highlights an increased focus on the tumor immune microenvironment and precision therapy. Clinical trials reveal the effectiveness of ICBs and the promising potential of T-cell receptor T-cell therapy and vaccines in treating KRAS-mutant cancers. ICBs, particularly in combination therapies, stand out in managing KRAS-mutant tumors. Identifying the tumor microenvironment and gene co-mutation profiles as key research areas, our findings advocate for multidisciplinary approaches to advance personalized cancer treatment. Future research should integrate genetic, immunological, and computational studies to unveil new therapeutic targets and refine treatment strategies for KRAS-mutant cancers. | | --- | | Abbreviations: ACT = adoptive cell transfer therapy, CI = confidence interval , HR = hazard ratio, ICB = immune checkpoint blockade, KRAS MT = KRAS mutations, NSCLC = non-small cell lung cancer, OS = overall survival, PFS = progression-free survival, TCR-T = T-cell receptor T-cell, TME = tumor microenvironment, WoSCC = Web of Science Core Collection. | | Keywords: Citespace, clinical trials, immunotherapy, KRAS, scientometric analysis, targeted therapy, vaccine | 1. Introduction The KRAS oncogene stands as a pivotal node in the etiopathogenesis of various malignancies, harboring mutations in a significant proportion of cases. Specifically, KRAS mutations (KRAS MT) are implicated in an estimated 30% of lung adenocarcinomas, a staggering 45% of metastatic colorectal cancers, and an even more alarming 90% of pancreatic ductaladenocarcinomas. [1–3] A noteworthy meta-analysis focusing on colorectal cancer illustrated a disconcerting picture, wherein progression-free survival (PFS) was notably compromised. The hazard ratio (HR) for PFS was quantified at 1.13, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.06 to 1.21, following first- or second-line systemic therapies that included agents such asirinotecan and oxaliplatin. [4] Although recent strides in targeted therapy, most notably the advent of agents like Sotorasib targeting KRAS-G12C mutations, have achieved modest progress in enhancing antitumor efficacy, these advancements are not without limitations. Two seminal multicenter phase 1 to 2 trials involving Sotorasib revealed a median survival of 6.8 months (95% CI, 5.1–8.2) in KRAS-G12C lung cancer patients and 4.0 months (95% CI, 2.8–5.6) in those with pancreatic cancer.[5,6] Ongoing trials for KRAS-G12D mutations further substantiate the burgeoning efforts in this arena (NCT05737706) . However, it must be acknowledged that approximately one-quarter of patients exhibit adverse effects, which renders the search for alternative therapeutic strategies imperative. Intriguingly, there exists a mechanistic rationale suggesting that KRAS MT may induce immune evasion via PD-L1 upregulation through the MEK-ERK signaling pathway.[7] This mechanistic insight lends credence to the exploration of immunotherapy as a viable treatment paradigm for KRAS MT tumors. This work was supported by

FAQs

How does the review study immunotherapy for KRAS-mutant cancers?

It combines bibliometric analysis of publications (Web of Science Core Collection and Citespace) with a systematic review of clinical trials from ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO registries, emphasizing immune checkpoint blockades and novel therapies.

Which immunotherapy approaches does the review highlight as promising?

The review reports effectiveness for immune checkpoint blockades and points to promising potential for T-cell receptor T-cell therapy and vaccines in treating KRAS-mutant cancers.

Why is future research expected to take a multidisciplinary direction?

The review identifies tumor immune microenvironment and gene co-mutation profiles as key areas and argues that integrating genetic, immunological, and computational studies is needed to uncover new therapeutic targets and refine treatment strategies.

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Ophelia