KRAS vs NRAS vs HRAS (2026): Key Differences, Mutations, and Targeted Treatments
Article Summary G12C is a specific KRAS mutation (glycine → cysteine at position 12) It is the first KRAS* mutation successfully targeted by drugs Found mainly in lung cancer Enables precision therapy with KRAS inhibitors Not all KRAS mutations are equal—G12C is uniquely druggable. *Note: The KRAS gene (Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog) is an oncogene that encodes a small GTPase transductor protein called KRAS. The RAS gene family —including KRAS, NRAS, and HRAS —plays a central role in cancer biology. These genes encode small GTPase proteins that act as molecular switches controlling cell growth, survival, and differentiation. When mutated, they become permanently “on” , driving uncontrolled cancer growth. Among these, KRAS mutations are the most common and clinically actionable , especially with the recent breakthrough targeting a specific mutation known as G12C . To truly understand modern cancer treatment, you need to understand what G12C means—...