NRAS-mutant melanoma is a molecular subtype of cutaneous melanoma characterized by activating mutations in the NRAS oncogene, occurring in approximately 15-25% of cutaneous melanomas. The most common mutations affect codon 61 (Q61R, Q61K, Q61L), with codons 12 and 13 affected less frequently. NRAS mutations result in constitutive GTP-bound active state and persistent activation of both MAPK and PI3K signaling pathways. NRAS-mutant melanomas are associated with chronic sun damage, older patient age, thicker primary tumors, and poorer prognosis compared to BRAF-mutant disease. Unlike BRAF-mutant melanoma, direct RAS inhibition has proven challenging, though MEK inhibitors show some activity and combination strategies are under investigation.
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name: NRAS Mutant Melanoma
creation_date: '2026-01-26T02:55:13Z'
updated_date: '2026-05-03T00:00:00Z'
description: >-
NRAS-mutant melanoma is a molecular subtype of cutaneous melanoma characterized
by
activating mutations in the NRAS oncogene, occurring in approximately 15-25% of
cutaneous melanomas. The most common mutations affect codon 61 (Q61R, Q61K, Q61L),
with codons 12 and 13 affected less frequently. NRAS mutations result in constitutive
GTP-bound active state and persistent activation of both MAPK and PI3K signaling
pathways. NRAS-mutant melanomas are associated with chronic sun damage, older patient
age, thicker primary tumors, and poorer prognosis compared to BRAF-mutant disease.
Unlike BRAF-mutant melanoma, direct RAS inhibition has proven challenging, though
MEK inhibitors show some activity and combination strategies are under investigation.
categories:
- Skin Cancer
- Molecularly Defined Cancer
- Oncogene-Driven Cancer
parents:
- cutaneous melanoma
pathophysiology:
- name: NRAS Q61 Oncogenic Mutation
description: >-
NRAS mutations at codon 61 (Q61R, Q61K, Q61L) impair intrinsic GTPase activity
and reduce sensitivity to GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs), resulting in
constitutively GTP-bound active NRAS. This locks the protein in its active
conformation, continuously stimulating downstream effector pathways.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:40023845
reference_title: "The NF1 tumor suppressor regulates PD-L1 and immune evasion in melanoma."
supports: PARTIAL
snippet: Hotspot BRAF, hotspot NRAS, and NF1 loss-of-function mutations are found in
explanation: This abstract reports hotspot NRAS mutations in a substantial fraction of cutaneous melanomas, supporting the NRAS-mutant subtype.
- reference: PMID:28851243
reference_title: "Binimetinib for the treatment of NRAS-mutant melanoma."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Activating NRAS mutations occur in approximately 15-20% of melanomas and are the
explanation: Confirms NRAS mutation prevalence at 15-20% and its status as the second most common oncogenic driver in melanoma.
cell_types:
- preferred_term: melanocyte
term:
id: CL:0000148
label: melanocyte
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: signal transduction
modifier: INCREASED
term:
id: GO:0007165
label: signal transduction
downstream:
- target: Dual MAPK and PI3K Pathway Activation
description: Active RAS simultaneously engages RAF-MEK-ERK and PI3K-AKT cascades
- name: Dual MAPK and PI3K Pathway Activation
description: >-
Unlike BRAF mutations that primarily activate MAPK signaling, oncogenic NRAS
simultaneously activates both the RAF-MEK-ERK (MAPK) pathway and the PI3K-AKT
pathway. This dual pathway activation contributes to the aggressive biology
and relative treatment resistance of NRAS-mutant melanoma.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:35294522
reference_title: "Phase Ib/II Trial of Ribociclib in Combination with Binimetinib in Patients with NRAS-mutant Melanoma."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Enhanced MAPK pathway signaling and cell-cycle checkpoint dysregulation
explanation: Confirms enhanced MAPK signaling as a frequent feature of NRAS-mutant melanoma, supporting the dual pathway activation concept.
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: MAPK cascade
modifier: INCREASED
term:
id: GO:0000165
label: MAPK cascade
downstream:
- target: Uncontrolled Melanocyte Proliferation
description: MAPK signaling drives cell cycle progression
- target: Enhanced Cell Survival
description: PI3K-AKT pathway promotes survival through multiple mechanisms
- name: Uncontrolled Melanocyte Proliferation
description: >-
Constitutive MAPK pathway activation downstream of mutant NRAS drives melanocyte
proliferation through ERK-mediated transcriptional programs promoting cell cycle
entry and progression.
cell_types:
- preferred_term: melanocyte
term:
id: CL:0000148
label: melanocyte
locations:
- preferred_term: skin of body
term:
id: UBERON:0002097
label: skin of body
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: cell population proliferation
modifier: INCREASED
term:
id: GO:0008283
label: cell population proliferation
- name: Enhanced Cell Survival
description: >-
PI3K-AKT pathway activation downstream of NRAS promotes melanoma cell survival
through phosphorylation and inactivation of pro-apoptotic proteins, activation
of mTOR signaling, and metabolic reprogramming. This contributes to therapy
resistance and the need for combination treatment strategies.
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: apoptotic process
modifier: DECREASED
term:
id: GO:0006915
label: apoptotic process
histopathology:
- name: Melanocytic Neoplasm
finding_term:
preferred_term: Melanocytic Neoplasm
term:
id: NCIT:C7058
label: Melanocytic Neoplasm
frequency: VERY_FREQUENT
description: Malignant melanoma represents a neoplasm stemming from melanocytes.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:27268913
reference_title: "Malignant melanoma: diagnosis, treatment and cancer stem cells."
supports: PARTIAL
snippet: "Malignant melanoma represents a neoplasm stemming from melanocytes"
explanation: Abstract defines melanoma as a neoplasm stemming from melanocytes.
phenotypes:
- category: Dermatologic
name: Cutaneous Melanoma
frequency: OBLIGATE
diagnostic: true
description: >-
Melanoma arising from cutaneous melanocytes. NRAS-mutant melanomas are typically
associated with chronic sun damage sites and may present with thicker primary
tumors compared to BRAF-mutant disease.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Cutaneous melanoma
term:
id: HP:0012056
label: Cutaneous melanoma
evidence:
- reference: PMID:28851243
reference_title: "Binimetinib for the treatment of NRAS-mutant melanoma."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Activating NRAS mutations occur in approximately 15-20% of melanomas and are the
explanation: Confirms NRAS mutations as the second most common driver in cutaneous melanoma.
- category: Dermatologic
name: Pigmented Skin Lesion
frequency: VERY_FREQUENT
description: >-
Primary tumor presenting as an asymmetric pigmented lesion, often arising
on chronically sun-damaged skin in older patients.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Neoplasm of the skin
term:
id: HP:0008069
label: Neoplasm of the skin
- category: Dermatologic
name: Abnormal Skin Pigmentation
frequency: VERY_FREQUENT
description: >-
Melanocytic tumors frequently display abnormal pigmentation patterns including
variegated color, irregular borders, and asymmetry. Pigmentary changes may
also occur in response to immunotherapy.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Abnormality of skin pigmentation
term:
id: HP:0001000
label: Abnormality of skin pigmentation
- category: Oncologic
name: Lymphadenopathy
description: >-
Regional lymph node relapse occurs in NRAS-mutant melanoma and contributes
to the aggressive early-stage behavior described for this molecular subtype.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy is standard for staging of melanomas with
significant Breslow thickness.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Lymphadenopathy
term:
id: HP:0002716
label: Lymphadenopathy
evidence:
- reference: PMID:28797232
reference_title: "Prognostic significance of BRAF and NRAS mutations in melanoma: a German study from routine care."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
higher frequency of nodal relapse
explanation: >-
Routine-care melanoma cohort directly links NRAS-mutant melanoma with nodal
relapse, supporting lymph node involvement as a phenotype.
- category: Oncologic
name: Neoplasm of the Lung
description: >-
Pulmonary metastases can occur in advanced NRAS-mutant melanoma, with cohort
data linking NRAS mutation status to increased odds of lung metastasis.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Neoplasm of the lung
term:
id: HP:0100526
label: Neoplasm of the lung
evidence:
- reference: PMID:28787433
reference_title: "Tumour mutation status and sites of metastasis in patients with cutaneous melanoma."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
NRAS mutation was associated with lung metastasis
explanation: >-
Prospective cutaneous melanoma cohort directly associates NRAS mutation
status with lung metastasis.
- category: Oncologic
name: Brain Neoplasm
description: >-
Central nervous system metastases occur in advanced melanoma and are reported
at increased odds in NRAS-mutant disease compared with BRAF/NRAS wild-type
melanoma.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Brain metastasis
term:
id: HP:0030692
label: Brain neoplasm
evidence:
- reference: PMID:28787433
reference_title: "Tumour mutation status and sites of metastasis in patients with cutaneous melanoma."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
central nervous system (CNS) metastasis
explanation: >-
Cohort study reports an association between NRAS mutation and CNS
metastasis; the HPO brain neoplasm term is used as the closest available
phenotype for melanoma brain metastasis.
genetic:
- name: NRAS Q61R
association: Somatic Oncogenic Mutation
notes: >-
Most common NRAS mutation in melanoma, substituting glutamine with arginine
at codon 61. Impairs GTPase activity and GAP sensitivity, resulting in
constitutively active NRAS.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:40023845
reference_title: "The NF1 tumor suppressor regulates PD-L1 and immune evasion in melanoma."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Hotspot BRAF, hotspot NRAS, and NF1 loss-of-function mutations are found in
explanation: Confirms hotspot NRAS mutations are present in approximately 25% of cutaneous melanomas.
- name: NRAS Q61K
association: Somatic Oncogenic Mutation
notes: >-
Common NRAS mutation substituting glutamine with lysine at codon 61. Functionally
equivalent to Q61R with similar downstream pathway activation.
- name: NRAS Q61L
association: Somatic Oncogenic Mutation
notes: >-
NRAS mutation substituting glutamine with leucine at codon 61. Results in
constitutive pathway activation similar to other Q61 mutations.
treatments:
- name: MEK Inhibitors
description: >-
MEK inhibitors (binimetinib, trametinib) have demonstrated modest activity in
NRAS-mutant melanoma. The NEMO trial showed binimetinib improved progression-free
survival compared to dacarbazine (median PFS 2.8 vs 1.5 months). Response rates
are lower than in BRAF-mutant disease, but MEK inhibition represents one of the
few targeted options for this molecular subtype.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: targeted therapy
term:
id: NCIT:C93352
label: Targeted Therapy
therapeutic_agent:
- preferred_term: binimetinib
term:
id: CHEBI:145371
label: binimetinib
- preferred_term: trametinib
term:
id: CHEBI:75998
label: trametinib
evidence:
- reference: PMID:28284557
reference_title: "Binimetinib versus dacarbazine in patients with advanced NRAS-mutant melanoma (NEMO): a multicentre, open-label, randomised, phase 3 trial."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: dacarbazine and was tolerable. Binimetinib might represent a new treatment
explanation: The landmark NEMO phase 3 trial demonstrates binimetinib efficacy in NRAS-mutant melanoma with improved PFS over dacarbazine.
- reference: PMID:32100585
reference_title: "An overview of binimetinib for the treatment of melanoma."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: almost doubled median progression-free survival when compared to dacarbazine in
explanation: Confirms binimetinib nearly doubled PFS vs dacarbazine in NRAS-mutant melanoma.
- reference: PMID:28587477
reference_title: "A review of binimetinib for the treatment of mutant cutaneous melanoma."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: recent Phase III trial rendered binimetinib the first targeted therapy agent to
explanation: Confirms binimetinib as the first targeted therapy to significantly improve PFS in NRAS-mutant melanoma.
- reference: PMID:28851243
reference_title: "Binimetinib for the treatment of NRAS-mutant melanoma."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: with dacarbazine in a randomized phase 3 clinical trial, with no improvement in
explanation: Provides context that while PFS improved, overall survival was not significantly improved, supporting the characterization of modest activity.
- name: Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
description: >-
Anti-PD-1 antibodies (pembrolizumab, nivolumab) alone or combined with anti-CTLA-4
(ipilimumab) are the primary treatment for advanced NRAS-mutant melanoma. NRAS-mutant
tumors may have higher tumor mutational burden, potentially enhancing immunotherapy
responsiveness.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: immunotherapy
term:
id: NCIT:C15262
label: Immunotherapy
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36873887
reference_title: "Objective response to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in NRAS-mutant melanoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: cutaneous melanoma demonstrated an increased likelihood of partial or complete
explanation: Meta-analysis of 1770 patients shows NRAS-mutant melanoma may have higher ICI response rates compared to NRAS-wildtype, supporting immunotherapy use.
- reference: PMID:28587477
reference_title: "A review of binimetinib for the treatment of mutant cutaneous melanoma."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: NRAS-mutated melanoma still face limited therapeutic options, with immunotherapy
explanation: Confirms immunotherapy as the standard treatment for NRAS-mutant melanoma given limited targeted therapy options.
- reference: PMID:28851243
reference_title: "Binimetinib for the treatment of NRAS-mutant melanoma."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: There is an unmet medical need for new targeted therapy opportunities
explanation: Highlights the lack of targeted therapies and the dependence on immunotherapy for NRAS-mutant melanoma treatment.
- name: Combination Targeted Therapy
description: >-
Clinical trials are investigating combinations targeting both MAPK and PI3K pathways,
as well as CDK4/6 inhibitors given the importance of cell cycle dysregulation in
NRAS-mutant melanoma. The combination of ribociclib plus binimetinib showed an
overall response rate of 19.5% with enhanced responses (32.5%) in patients with
concurrent CDKN2A, CDK4, or CCND1 alterations.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: targeted therapy
term:
id: NCIT:C93352
label: Targeted Therapy
therapeutic_agent:
- preferred_term: ribociclib
- preferred_term: binimetinib
term:
id: CHEBI:145371
label: binimetinib
evidence:
- reference: PMID:35294522
reference_title: "Phase Ib/II Trial of Ribociclib in Combination with Binimetinib in Patients with NRAS-mutant Melanoma."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: cell-cycle genes may define a population with greater likelihood of treatment
explanation: Phase Ib/II trial demonstrates the combination of CDK4/6 and MEK inhibition is active in NRAS-mutant melanoma, with enrichment in patients with cell-cycle gene co-mutations.
- name: Naporafenib plus Trametinib
description: >-
Investigational combined RAF/MEK inhibition with naporafenib plus trametinib
has shown promising preliminary antitumor activity in advanced or metastatic
NRAS-mutant melanoma, including a 46.7% objective response rate in one phase
Ib expansion dosing cohort.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: targeted therapy
term:
id: NCIT:C93352
label: Targeted Therapy
therapeutic_agent:
- preferred_term: naporafenib
- preferred_term: trametinib
term:
id: CHEBI:75998
label: trametinib
evidence:
- reference: DOI:10.1200/jco.22.02018
reference_title: "Initial Evidence for the Efficacy of Naporafenib in Combination With Trametinib in NRAS-Mutant Melanoma: Results From the Expansion Arm of a Phase Ib, Open-Label Study."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
In expansion, the objective response rate, median duration of response, and
median progression-free survival were 46.7%
explanation: >-
Phase Ib expansion data support naporafenib plus trametinib as a prominent
investigational targeted combination for NRAS-mutant melanoma.
disease_term:
preferred_term: cutaneous melanoma
term:
id: MONDO:0005012
label: cutaneous melanoma
notes: >-
Direct RAS inhibition has historically been considered undruggable due to high
picomolar affinity for GTP and lack of suitable drug-binding pockets. However,
recent advances including RAS(ON) inhibitors and covalent KRAS G12C inhibitors
have renewed interest in direct RAS targeting. NRAS-mutant melanoma patients
generally have poorer outcomes than BRAF-mutant disease and lack a standard
targeted therapy option, making immunotherapy the mainstay of treatment.
classifications:
icdo_morphology:
classification_value: Melanoma
harrisons_chapter:
- classification_value: cancer
- classification_value: solid tumor
references:
- reference: DOI:10.1038/s41467-021-25326-8
title: Epigenetic control of melanoma cell invasiveness by the stem cell factor SALL4
found_in:
- NRAS_Mutant_Melanoma-deep-research-falcon.md
findings:
- statement: Melanoma cells rely on developmental programs during tumor initiation and progression.
supporting_text: Melanoma cells rely on developmental programs during tumor initiation and progression.
evidence:
- reference: DOI:10.1038/s41467-021-25326-8
reference_title: Epigenetic control of melanoma cell invasiveness by the stem cell factor SALL4
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Melanoma cells rely on developmental programs during tumor initiation and progression.
explanation: Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for NRAS Mutant Melanoma.
- reference: DOI:10.1038/s41467-022-30881-9
title: Enhanced BRAF engagement by NRAS mutants capable of promoting melanoma initiation
found_in:
- NRAS_Mutant_Melanoma-deep-research-falcon.md
findings:
- statement: A distinct profile of NRAS mutants is observed in each tumor type.
supporting_text: A distinct profile of NRAS mutants is observed in each tumor type.
evidence:
- reference: DOI:10.1038/s41467-022-30881-9
reference_title: Enhanced BRAF engagement by NRAS mutants capable of promoting melanoma initiation
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: A distinct profile of NRAS mutants is observed in each tumor type.
explanation: Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for NRAS Mutant Melanoma.
- reference: DOI:10.1080/14737140.2017.1374177
title: Binimetinib for the treatment of NRAS-mutant melanoma
found_in:
- NRAS_Mutant_Melanoma-deep-research-falcon.md
findings:
- statement: Binimetinib for the treatment of NRAS-mutant melanoma
supporting_text: Binimetinib for the treatment of NRAS-mutant melanoma
- reference: DOI:10.1080/23808993.2021.1938545
title: Novel insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of NRAS mutant melanoma
found_in:
- NRAS_Mutant_Melanoma-deep-research-falcon.md
findings:
- statement: Novel insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of NRAS mutant melanoma
supporting_text: Novel insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of NRAS mutant melanoma
- reference: DOI:10.1111/j.1755-148x.2011.00873.x
title: Clinical outcome and pathological features associated with NRAS mutation in cutaneous melanoma
found_in:
- NRAS_Mutant_Melanoma-deep-research-falcon.md
findings:
- statement: The effect of NRAS mutations on the pathological features and clinical outcomes in patients with cutaneous melanoma was compared with that of tumors containing BRAFV600E mutations and tumors wild type for both (WT).
supporting_text: The effect of NRAS mutations on the pathological features and clinical outcomes in patients with cutaneous melanoma was compared with that of tumors containing BRAFV600E mutations and tumors wild type for both (WT).
evidence:
- reference: DOI:10.1111/j.1755-148x.2011.00873.x
reference_title: Clinical outcome and pathological features associated with NRAS mutation in cutaneous melanoma
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: The effect of NRAS mutations on the pathological features and clinical outcomes in patients with cutaneous melanoma was compared with that of tumors containing BRAFV600E mutations and tumors wild type for both (WT).
explanation: Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for NRAS Mutant Melanoma.
- reference: DOI:10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-3872
title: Phase Ib/II Trial of Ribociclib in Combination with Binimetinib in Patients with <i>NRAS</i> -mutant Melanoma
found_in:
- NRAS_Mutant_Melanoma-deep-research-falcon.md
findings:
- statement: Enhanced MAPK pathway signaling and cell-cycle checkpoint dysregulation are frequent in NRAS-mutant melanoma and, as such, the regimen of the MEK inhibitor binimetinib and the selective CDK4/6 inhibitor ribociclib is a rational combination.
supporting_text: 'Enhanced MAPK pathway signaling and cell-cycle checkpoint dysregulation are frequent in NRAS-mutant melanoma and, as such, the regimen of the MEK inhibitor binimetinib and the selective CDK4/6 inhibitor ribociclib is a rational combination.'
evidence:
- reference: DOI:10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-3872
reference_title: Phase Ib/II Trial of Ribociclib in Combination with Binimetinib in Patients with <i>NRAS</i> -mutant Melanoma
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: 'Enhanced MAPK pathway signaling and cell-cycle checkpoint dysregulation are frequent in NRAS-mutant melanoma and, as such, the regimen of the MEK inhibitor binimetinib and the selective CDK4/6 inhibitor ribociclib is a rational combination.'
explanation: Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for NRAS Mutant Melanoma.
- reference: DOI:10.1158/2159-8290.cd-14-0729
title: Mutation-Specific RAS Oncogenicity Explains NRAS Codon 61 Selection in Melanoma
found_in:
- NRAS_Mutant_Melanoma-deep-research-falcon.md
findings:
- statement: NRAS mutation at codons 12, 13, or 61 is associated with transformation; yet, in melanoma, such alterations are nearly exclusive to codon 61.
supporting_text: NRAS mutation at codons 12, 13, or 61 is associated with transformation; yet, in melanoma, such alterations are nearly exclusive to codon 61.
evidence:
- reference: DOI:10.1158/2159-8290.cd-14-0729
reference_title: Mutation-Specific RAS Oncogenicity Explains NRAS Codon 61 Selection in Melanoma
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: NRAS mutation at codons 12, 13, or 61 is associated with transformation; yet, in melanoma, such alterations are nearly exclusive to codon 61.
explanation: Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for NRAS Mutant Melanoma.
- reference: DOI:10.1186/s12943-023-01789-9
title: CXCR2 expression during melanoma tumorigenesis controls transcriptional programs that facilitate tumor growth
found_in:
- NRAS_Mutant_Melanoma-deep-research-falcon.md
findings:
- statement: CXCR2 expression during melanoma tumorigenesis controls transcriptional programs that facilitate tumor growth
supporting_text: Though the CXCR2 chemokine receptor is known to play a key role in cancer growth and response to therapy, a direct link between expression of CXCR2 in tumor progenitor cells during induction of tumorigenesis has not been established.MethodsTo characterize the role of CXCR2 during melanoma tumorigenesis, we generated tamoxifen-inducible tyrosinase-promoter drivenBrafV600E/Pten−/−/Cxcr2−/−andNRasQ61R/INK4a−/−/Cxcr2−/−melanoma models.
evidence:
- reference: DOI:10.1186/s12943-023-01789-9
reference_title: CXCR2 expression during melanoma tumorigenesis controls transcriptional programs that facilitate tumor growth
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: MODEL_ORGANISM
snippet: Though the CXCR2 chemokine receptor is known to play a key role in cancer growth and response to therapy, a direct link between expression of CXCR2 in tumor progenitor cells during induction of tumorigenesis has not been established.MethodsTo characterize the role of CXCR2 during melanoma tumorigenesis, we generated tamoxifen-inducible tyrosinase-promoter drivenBrafV600E/Pten−/−/Cxcr2−/−andNRasQ61R/INK4a−/−/Cxcr2−/−melanoma models.
explanation: Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for NRAS Mutant Melanoma.
- reference: DOI:10.1200/jco.22.02018
title: 'Initial Evidence for the Efficacy of Naporafenib in Combination With Trametinib in <i>NRAS</i>-Mutant Melanoma: Results From the Expansion Arm of a Phase Ib, Open-Label Study'
found_in:
- NRAS_Mutant_Melanoma-deep-research-falcon.md
findings:
- statement: No approved targeted therapy for the treatment of patients with neuroblastoma RAS viral (v-ras) oncogene homolog ( NRAS)–mutant melanoma is currently available.
supporting_text: No approved targeted therapy for the treatment of patients with neuroblastoma RAS viral (v-ras) oncogene homolog ( NRAS)–mutant melanoma is currently available.
evidence:
- reference: DOI:10.1200/jco.22.02018
reference_title: 'Initial Evidence for the Efficacy of Naporafenib in Combination With Trametinib in <i>NRAS</i>-Mutant Melanoma: Results From the Expansion Arm of a Phase Ib, Open-Label Study'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: No approved targeted therapy for the treatment of patients with neuroblastoma RAS viral (v-ras) oncogene homolog ( NRAS)–mutant melanoma is currently available.
explanation: Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for NRAS Mutant Melanoma.
- reference: DOI:10.1200/jco.23.00205
title: Targeting<i>NRAS</i>Mutations in Advanced Melanoma
found_in:
- NRAS_Mutant_Melanoma-deep-research-falcon.md
findings:
- statement: Targeting<i>NRAS</i>Mutations in Advanced Melanoma
supporting_text: Targeting<i>NRAS</i>Mutations in Advanced Melanoma
- reference: DOI:10.3389/fmed.2023.1090737
title: 'Objective response to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in NRAS-mutant melanoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis'
found_in:
- NRAS_Mutant_Melanoma-deep-research-falcon.md
findings:
- statement: NRAS mutations are common in melanoma and confer a worse prognosis.
supporting_text: NRAS mutations are common in melanoma and confer a worse prognosis.
evidence:
- reference: DOI:10.3389/fmed.2023.1090737
reference_title: 'Objective response to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in NRAS-mutant melanoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: NRAS mutations are common in melanoma and confer a worse prognosis.
explanation: Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for NRAS Mutant Melanoma.
- reference: DOI:10.3390/cancers16071347
title: Targeted DNA Sequencing of Cutaneous Melanoma Identifies Prognostic and Predictive Alterations
found_in:
- NRAS_Mutant_Melanoma-deep-research-falcon.md
findings:
- statement: 'Cutaneous melanoma (CM) can be molecularly classified into four groups: BRAF mutant, NRAS mutant, NF1 mutant and triple wild-type (TWT) tumors lacking any of these three alterations.'
supporting_text: 'Cutaneous melanoma (CM) can be molecularly classified into four groups: BRAF mutant, NRAS mutant, NF1 mutant and triple wild-type (TWT) tumors lacking any of these three alterations.'
evidence:
- reference: DOI:10.3390/cancers16071347
reference_title: Targeted DNA Sequencing of Cutaneous Melanoma Identifies Prognostic and Predictive Alterations
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: 'Cutaneous melanoma (CM) can be molecularly classified into four groups: BRAF mutant, NRAS mutant, NF1 mutant and triple wild-type (TWT) tumors lacking any of these three alterations.'
explanation: Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for NRAS Mutant Melanoma.
NRAS-mutant melanoma is a molecular subset of melanoma (most often cutaneous melanoma in the available evidence) characterized by activating somatic mutations in NRAS, a small GTPase that drives constitutive downstream signaling—most prominently MAPK (RAF–MEK–ERK) and frequently PI3K–AKT pathway activity—leading to increased proliferation and survival. In contemporary clinical practice, it is recognized as a therapeutically important subgroup because (i) it represents ~15–20% of melanomas, (ii) direct mutant-NRAS inhibitors have historically been lacking, and (iii) treatment is typically centered on immune checkpoint blockade with targeted therapy options being limited and/or modest in efficacy. (phadke2023targetingnrasmutationsinadvanced pages 1-2, braud2023initialevidencefor pages 1-3)
A key molecular feature is that the predominant NRAS mutations in melanoma occur at codon 61 (Q61), which impair intrinsic GTPase activity and keep NRAS in a GTP-bound “ON” state. (phadke2023targetingnrasmutationsinadvanced pages 1-2, zhao2021novelinsightsinto pages 3-4)
The retrieved literature did not provide canonical disease identifiers (ICD-10/ICD-11, MeSH, OMIM, Orphanet, MONDO) specifically for the molecular subtype “NRAS-mutant melanoma.” The Open Targets search returned broader melanoma concepts (e.g., melanoma and cutaneous melanoma) with evidence linked to NRAS, but not a dedicated “NRAS-mutant melanoma” MONDO identifier in the retrieved outputs. (phadke2023targetingnrasmutationsinadvanced pages 1-2, braud2023initialevidencefor pages 1-3)
Ontology summary artifact:
| Concept | Ontology/ID (MONDO/MeSH/ICD if available) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NRAS-mutant melanoma | MONDO: not found in retrieved sources | Molecularly defined melanoma subset; retrieved evidence describes it as a subtype of cutaneous melanoma driven by activating NRAS mutations, present in ~15%–20% of melanomas (phadke2023targetingnrasmutationsinadvanced pages 1-2, braud2023initialevidencefor pages 1-3) |
| NRAS-mutated melanoma | MONDO: not found in retrieved sources | Synonymous wording used in reviews and clinical trial literature for the same entity (phadke2023targetingnrasmutationsinadvanced pages 1-2, braud2023initialevidencefor pages 1-3) |
| NRAS-mutant cutaneous melanoma | ICD/MeSH/MONDO specific identifier for this molecular subtype: not found in retrieved sources | Most retrieved evidence concerns cutaneous melanoma specifically; one 2024 cohort classified cutaneous melanoma into BRAF-mutant, NRAS-mutant, NF1-mutant, and triple wild-type groups (haugh2024targeteddnasequencing pages 1-2) |
| NRAS Q61-mutant melanoma | MONDO: not found in retrieved sources | Common hotspot-defined synonym; codon 61 alterations account for the great majority of NRAS mutations in melanoma (>80% in one 2023 review; ~84% in one 2021 review) (phadke2023targetingnrasmutationsinadvanced pages 1-2, zhao2021novelinsightsinto pages 3-4) |
| NRAS Q61R/K/L-mutant melanoma | MONDO: not found in retrieved sources | More specific hotspot grouping; Q61R, Q61K, and Q61L are repeatedly highlighted as predominant melanoma-associated variants (phadke2023targetingnrasmutationsinadvanced pages 1-2, murphy2022enhancedbrafengagement pages 1-2) |
| Cutaneous melanoma | MeSH/ICD/MONDO specific identifier not retrieved; Open Targets disease ID for cutaneous melanoma: EFO_0000389 | Parent disease concept used by several retrieved sources when discussing the NRAS-mutant subgroup (haugh2024targeteddnasequencing pages 1-2) |
| Melanoma | MeSH/ICD/MONDO specific identifier not retrieved; Open Targets disease ID for melanoma: EFO_0000756 | Broader parent disease concept; disease-target association with NRAS was retrieved for melanoma generally (Open Targets result in prior tool output; molecular subgroup details supported by review evidence) (phadke2023targetingnrasmutationsinadvanced pages 1-2, braud2023initialevidencefor pages 1-3) |
| Superficial spreading melanoma | MONDO_0020638 | Retrieved as a melanoma histologic subtype in Open Targets output; not synonymous with NRAS-mutant melanoma, but relevant as a parent histologic melanoma concept distinct from the molecular subtype (supported context on melanoma subtyping) (haugh2024targeteddnasequencing pages 1-2) |
Table: This table maps the disease naming used in the retrieved evidence for NRAS-mutant melanoma and related parent concepts. It is useful for ontology normalization because the retrieved sources support the molecular subtype terminology but did not provide a dedicated MONDO/MeSH/ICD identifier for the subtype itself.
Commonly used synonyms in the literature include: - “NRAS-mutant melanoma” / “NRAS-mutated melanoma” (phadke2023targetingnrasmutationsinadvanced pages 1-2, braud2023initialevidencefor pages 1-3) - “NRAS Q61-mutant melanoma” and variant-specific groupings such as “NRAS Q61R/K/L melanoma” (phadke2023targetingnrasmutationsinadvanced pages 1-2, murphy2022enhancedbrafengagement pages 1-2)
The retrieved evidence is primarily: - Aggregated disease-level resources (systematic review/meta-analysis of immunotherapy response) (jaeger2023objectiveresponseto pages 1-2) - Prospective/retrospective human cohorts for clinicopathologic correlations and outcomes (devitt2011clinicaloutcomeand pages 1-3, haugh2024targeteddnasequencing pages 1-2) - Interventional clinical trials for targeted therapy combinations (braud2023initialevidencefor pages 1-3, queirolo2017binimetinibforthe pages 9-11) - Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) and mechanistic studies (burd2014mutationspecificrasoncogenicity pages 1-3, murphy2022enhancedbrafengagement pages 1-2, johanna2021epigeneticcontrolof pages 1-2, yang2023cxcr2expressionduring pages 1-2)
Genetic (somatic) driver: Activating somatic mutations in NRAS are a central causal factor defining the subtype. NRAS mutations are reported in ~15–20% of melanomas in multiple sources. (phadke2023targetingnrasmutationsinadvanced pages 1-2, braud2023initialevidencefor pages 1-3)
Hotspot biology: A 2023 JCO review states that the predominant alterations (>80%) occur at codon 61 (Q61R, Q61L, Q61K) and “serve to impair GTPase activity, locking the gene in a constitutively ON position.” (phadke2023targetingnrasmutationsinadvanced pages 1-2)
Tumor/pathology-associated “risk correlates” for NRAS-mutant status (not necessarily causal exposures): - In a prospective cohort, NRAS-mutant primary cutaneous melanomas were associated with greater thickness and higher mitotic activity: “Seventy-five percentage of NRAS mutations occurred in tumors >1 mm thick …” and “Twenty-seven (75%) tumors with NRAS mutations had a mitotic count of >1/mm2 … (P = 0.001).” (devitt2011clinicaloutcomeand pages 1-3) - NRAS mutations were enriched in nodular melanoma in this cohort: “9 (25%) of all NRAS mutations occurring in this subtype (P < 0.001).” (devitt2011clinicaloutcomeand pages 1-3)
Ultraviolet (UV) exposure and chronic sun damage (CSD): Evidence in retrieved sources is mixed depending on the study design and definition. - Devitt et al. reported: “There was no association between chronic sun damage and NRAS mutations.” (devitt2011clinicaloutcomeand pages 1-3) - A 2024 targeted-sequencing cohort notes a molecular classification context where “BRAF and NRAS mutant melanomas correlate with low cumulative sun damage (low-CSD), while NF1 mutants are high-CSD.” (haugh2024targeteddnasequencing pages 1-2)
Given these differences, UV is clearly etiologic for cutaneous melanoma broadly, but the specific relationship between chronic sun damage patterns and NRAS-mutant subtype varies across cohorts and should be represented as heterogeneous evidence rather than a single settled association. (devitt2011clinicaloutcomeand pages 1-3, haugh2024targeteddnasequencing pages 1-2)
No genotype-specific protective factors were identified in the retrieved sources.
Direct gene–environment interaction evidence specific to NRAS-mutant melanoma was not identified in the retrieved sources (beyond the broader context that UV contributes to melanoma mutagenesis and that NRAS hotspot variants are selected by functional constraints). (murphy2022enhancedbrafengagement pages 1-2)
NRAS-mutant melanoma generally presents clinically as cutaneous melanoma, with pathological correlates that may indicate a more aggressive primary tumor phenotype in multiple cohorts.
From Devitt et al. (prospective cohort): - Greater tumor thickness: “Seventy-five percentage of NRAS mutations occurred in tumors >1 mm thick …” (devitt2011clinicaloutcomeand pages 1-3) - Higher mitotic activity: “Twenty-seven (75%) tumors with NRAS mutations had a mitotic count of >1/mm2 … (P = 0.001).” (devitt2011clinicaloutcomeand pages 1-3) - Nodular enrichment: “9 (25%) of all NRAS mutations occurring in this subtype (P < 0.001).” (devitt2011clinicaloutcomeand pages 1-3)
Specific age-of-onset distributions for the NRAS-mutant subgroup were not extracted from the retrieved evidence. However, the subgroup is repeatedly described as clinically challenging and (in multiple sources) as associated with poorer prognosis than NRAS-wildtype melanoma. (braud2023initialevidencefor pages 1-3, jaeger2023objectiveresponseto pages 1-2)
NRAS-mutant melanoma–specific quality-of-life measures were not identified in the retrieved sources.
These are suggested to structure typical melanoma features and aggressive primary features described above: - Cutaneous melanoma / malignant melanoma: no single HPO term asserted here from evidence; use clinical coding per knowledge base conventions - Increased mitotic activity: HP:0010644 (Increased mitotic activity) (maps to the cohort observation of higher mitotic count) (devitt2011clinicaloutcomeand pages 1-3) - Increased tumor thickness (Breslow): represent as a quantitative pathology attribute (no specific HPO term was retrieved in evidence) - Nodular melanoma subtype: represent as histologic subtype attribute (not strictly an HPO term)
Hotspots: Codon 61 is dominant. - 2023 JCO review: predominant alterations (>80%) at codon 61 (Q61R, Q61L, Q61K). (phadke2023targetingnrasmutationsinadvanced pages 1-2) - 2021 review excerpt: “The majority (~84%) of NRAS mutations occur at codon 61.” (zhao2021novelinsightsinto pages 3-4)
Functional consequence: Gain-of-function with impaired GTPase activity and increased signaling output. - Direct quote: codon 61 variants “serve to impair GTPase activity, locking the gene in a constitutively ON position.” (phadke2023targetingnrasmutationsinadvanced pages 1-2)
NRAS activation drives multiple signaling cascades. - Devitt et al.: “NRAS ... leads to upregulation of the MAPK pathway, the phosphatidylinositol 3¢ kinase (PI3K) pathway and the RAL pathway.” (devitt2011clinicaloutcomeand pages 1-3) - Phadke & Smalley emphasize strong MAPK activation and note NRAS-mutant melanomas signal via CRAF rather than BRAF (mechanistic framing in the excerpt). (phadke2023targetingnrasmutationsinadvanced pages 1-2)
A practical treatment-relevant modifier concept is cell-cycle gene co-alteration. - In the ribociclib+binimetinib trial, response was higher in tumors with NRAS mutation plus concurrent alterations in CDKN2A/CDK4/CCND1 (ORR 32.5% in that subgroup). (braud2023initialevidencefor pages 1-3)
A NRASQ61K;Cdkn2a−/− GEMM study links epigenetic regulation to invasiveness via SALL4 and HDAC2. - “SALL4 negatively regulates invasiveness through interaction with the histone deacetylase (HDAC) 2 …” and “SALL4 loss induces a phenotype switch and the acquisition of an invasive phenotype.” (johanna2021epigeneticcontrolof pages 1-2)
Based on pathways explicitly described in evidence: - GO:0000165 (MAPK cascade) — supported by MAPK upregulation statements (devitt2011clinicaloutcomeand pages 1-3) - GO:0014065 (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling) — supported by PI3K pathway mention (devitt2011clinicaloutcomeand pages 1-3) - GO:0007264 (small GTPase mediated signal transduction) — aligns with NRAS biology (phadke2023targetingnrasmutationsinadvanced pages 1-2)
The retrieved sources did not provide detailed environmental exposure quantification specific to NRAS-mutant melanoma beyond the mixed findings regarding chronic sun damage patterns in relation to NRAS-mutant status. (devitt2011clinicaloutcomeand pages 1-3, haugh2024targeteddnasequencing pages 1-2)
1) Somatic NRAS activating mutation (most commonly codon 61) impairs GTPase activity, increasing the fraction of NRAS in the active GTP-bound state. (phadke2023targetingnrasmutationsinadvanced pages 1-2, burd2014mutationspecificrasoncogenicity pages 1-3) 2) Active NRAS drives downstream signaling through MAPK and other cascades (PI3K, RAL), increasing proliferation and survival. (devitt2011clinicaloutcomeand pages 1-3) 3) Additional cooperating alterations (e.g., loss of cell-cycle checkpoints such as Cdkn2a/INK4a in experimental models; cell-cycle co-alterations in human tumors) promote tumor initiation/progression and influence therapeutic vulnerabilities. (burd2014mutationspecificrasoncogenicity pages 1-3, braud2023initialevidencefor pages 1-3)
Mechanistic work supports that melanoma-enriched NRAS Q61 variants have properties that favor melanoma initiation. - Burd et al. (2014) found NRASQ61R is melanomagenic in vivo (especially with p16INK4a/Cdkn2a loss) while NRASG12D is not, and that enhanced GTP-bound state and stability contribute to oncogenicity. (burd2014mutationspecificrasoncogenicity pages 1-3) - Murphy et al. (2022) used an allelic series of endogenous Nras knock-in models and report that common melanoma-associated Q61 mutants (Q61R, Q61K, Q61L) are potent drivers, and provide a mechanistic basis: melanomagenic Q61 mutants enhance BRAF binding and BRAF–CRAF dimer formation, increasing MAPK→ERK signaling. (murphy2022enhancedbrafengagement pages 1-2)
In an NRasQ61R/Ink4a−/− GEMM, modulating CXCR2 altered tumor induction and anti-tumor immunity. - Genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of CXCR2 during induction “reduced tumor incidence/growth and increased anti-tumor immunity,” with mechanistic correlates including altered transcriptional programs and reduced AKT/mTOR activation. (yang2023cxcr2expressionduring pages 1-2)
NRAS-mutant melanoma in the retrieved evidence is largely discussed in the context of cutaneous melanoma with primary lesions in the skin and metastatic spread typical of melanoma (not systematically enumerated in the retrieved sources). (devitt2011clinicaloutcomeand pages 1-3, haugh2024targeteddnasequencing pages 1-2)
Suggested UBERON terms (representation suggestions): - UBERON:0002097 (skin of body) - UBERON:0000955 (brain) may be relevant for melanoma metastasis generally, but brain-metastasis-specific NRAS-mutant data were not retrieved here.
Temporal staging/progression patterns specific to NRAS-mutant melanoma were not explicitly extracted from the retrieved sources beyond associations with primary tumor aggressiveness markers (thickness, mitotic rate) and worsened survival metrics in some cohorts. (devitt2011clinicaloutcomeand pages 1-3, haugh2024targeteddnasequencing pages 1-2)
The retrieved sources did not provide population incidence/prevalence for NRAS-mutant melanoma as a distinct entity. However, multiple sources converge that NRAS mutations occur in ~15–20% of melanomas, which can be used as an approximate subtype fraction among melanoma cases. (phadke2023targetingnrasmutationsinadvanced pages 1-2, braud2023initialevidencefor pages 1-3)
NRAS-mutant melanoma is primarily defined by somatic tumor mutations rather than a Mendelian inherited pattern in the retrieved evidence. (phadke2023targetingnrasmutationsinadvanced pages 1-2)
The key diagnostic discriminator for this subtype is tumor genomic testing (targeted NGS panels or hotspot assays) to identify NRAS driver mutations. - A 2024 clinical cohort explicitly uses molecular grouping of cutaneous melanoma into “BRAF mutant, NRAS mutant, NF1 loss, and triple wild type (TWT).” (haugh2024targeteddnasequencing pages 1-2)
NRAS mutation status has been associated with worse prognosis in multiple contexts, though effects can vary by cohort and treatment era.
These findings support representing NRAS mutation as an adverse prognostic factor in at least some clinical populations, while noting that immunotherapy response may be comparable or better than NRAS-wildtype based on pooled response analyses (below). (haugh2024targeteddnasequencing pages 1-2, jaeger2023objectiveresponseto pages 1-2)
The retrieved sources consistently position immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) as the mainstay systemic therapy for advanced/metastatic NRAS-mutant melanoma, in the absence of an approved direct NRAS inhibitor. (phadke2023targetingnrasmutationsinadvanced pages 1-2, braud2023initialevidencefor pages 1-3)
Evidence synthesis for ICI response by genotype: - Systematic review/meta-analysis (Frontiers in Medicine, Feb 2023): pooled data from 1,770 patients found NRAS-mutant melanoma had a higher likelihood of objective response compared with NRAS-wildtype, effect size 1.28 (95% CI 1.01–1.64). (jaeger2023objectiveresponseto pages 1-2)
No approved targeted therapy for NRAS-mutant melanoma is asserted in the retrieved JCO sources; MEK inhibition has modest activity and is a common development backbone. (phadke2023targetingnrasmutationsinadvanced pages 1-2, braud2023initialevidencefor pages 1-3)
Binimetinib (MEK inhibitor), NEMO trial benchmark: - Reported outcomes (as summarized in retrieved sources): median PFS 2.8 vs 1.5 months (binimetinib vs dacarbazine; HR 0.62), ORR ~15% vs 7%, median OS 11.0 vs 10.1 months (no OS benefit). (queirolo2017binimetinibforthe pages 9-11) - Notable tolerability issues included higher discontinuation for toxicity (25% vs 8%) and frequent dose reductions/interruptions. (queirolo2017binimetinibforthe pages 9-11)
Naporafenib (RAF inhibitor) + trametinib (MEK inhibitor): - In the JCO 2023 expansion arm, ORR reached 46.7% (7/15) at naporafenib 200 mg BID + trametinib 1 mg daily with median PFS 5.52 months; a higher-dose naporafenib cohort had lower ORR (13.3%). (braud2023initialevidencefor pages 1-3)
Ribociclib (CDK4/6 inhibitor) + binimetinib: - Phase Ib/II: ORR 19.5% (8/41) at RP2D; ORR 32.5% in tumors with concurrent CDKN2A/CDK4/CCND1 alterations; median PFS 3.7 months; median OS 11.3 months. (braud2023initialevidencefor pages 1-3)
Treatment evidence artifact (trial summary table):
| Therapy/Approach | Study (first author, year, journal) | Population | Key efficacy results (ORR/PFS/OS with numbers) | Key safety signals | URL/DOI | Notes (e.g., line of therapy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEK inhibitor: binimetinib vs dacarbazine (NEMO phase III) | Dummer 2017, Lancet Oncology; summarized in Phadke 2023, JCO and Queirolo 2017, Expert Rev Anticancer Ther | 402 patients with advanced/unresectable or metastatic NRAS-mutant melanoma randomized 2:1 to binimetinib vs dacarbazine | Median PFS 2.8 vs 1.5 months (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.47-0.80); ORR 15% vs 7% (or 15.2% vs 6.8% in summary source); DCR 58% vs 25%; median OS 11.0 vs 10.1 months (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.75-1.33); prior-immunotherapy subgroup median PFS 5.5 months (phadke2023targetingnrasmutationsinadvanced pages 1-2, queirolo2017binimetinibforthe pages 6-9, queirolo2017binimetinibforthe pages 9-11) | More grade 3-4 AEs with binimetinib; increased CPK notable (19% vs 0%); dose reductions 61% vs 16%; interruptions 58% vs 29%; permanent discontinuation for toxicity 25% vs 8%; ocular and cardiac toxicities reported (queirolo2017binimetinibforthe pages 9-11) | https://doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(17)30180-8; https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.23.00205; https://doi.org/10.1080/14737140.2017.1374177 | First phase III targeted-therapy trial showing activity in NRAS-mutant melanoma, but no OS benefit; generally considered after or outside standard immunotherapy pathways (phadke2023targetingnrasmutationsinadvanced pages 1-2, queirolo2017binimetinibforthe pages 9-11) |
| Pan-RAF inhibitor + MEK inhibitor: naporafenib + trametinib | de Braud 2023, Journal of Clinical Oncology | Phase Ib escalation/expansion in advanced/metastatic NRAS-mutant melanoma; expansion arm n=30 (15 per dose cohort) | At naporafenib 200 mg BID + trametinib 1 mg QD: ORR 46.7% (7/15; 95% CI 21.3-73.4), median DOR 3.75 months, median PFS 5.52 months. At naporafenib 400 mg BID + trametinib 0.5 mg QD: ORR 13.3% (2/15; 95% CI 1.7-40.5), median DOR 3.75 months, median PFS 4.21 months (braud2023initialevidencefor pages 1-3) | All 30 patients had treatment-related AEs; rash 80%; CPK increase, diarrhea, and nausea each 30%; grade >=3 DLTs in escalation included dermatitis acneiform, maculopapular rash, increased lipase, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (braud2023initialevidencefor pages 1-3) | https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.22.02018 | Early signal of higher response than historical MEK monotherapy; basis for later randomized development such as SEACRAFT-2 (trial not detailed here) (braud2023initialevidencefor pages 1-3) |
| MEK inhibitor + CDK4/6 inhibitor: ribociclib + binimetinib | Schuler 2022, Clinical Cancer Research | Phase Ib/II NRAS-mutant melanoma; phase II efficacy cohort n=41 at RP2D | ORR 19.5% (8/41; 95% CI 8.8-34.9) at RP2D; in patients with concurrent CDKN2A/CDK4/CCND1 alterations, ORR 32.5% (13/40; 95% CI 20.1-48.0); median PFS 3.7 months (95% CI 3.5-5.6); median OS 11.3 months (95% CI 9.3-14.2) (braud2023initialevidencefor pages 1-3) | Common toxicities included creatine phosphokinase elevation, rash, edema, anemia, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue; 10 patients (16.4%) had dose-limiting toxicities in cycle 1 during phase Ib (braud2023initialevidencefor pages 1-3) | https://doi.org/10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-21-3872 | Rational combination for MAPK plus cell-cycle co-targeting; benefit may be enriched by cell-cycle co-alterations (braud2023initialevidencefor pages 1-3) |
| Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), genotype-stratified evidence | Jaeger 2023, Frontiers in Medicine systematic review and meta-analysis | 10 studies; pooled data from 1,770 melanoma patients treated with ICIs comparing NRAS-mutant vs NRAS-wildtype disease | Pooled ORR effect size 1.28 (95% CI 1.01-1.64) favoring NRAS-mutant melanoma; conclusion: NRAS-mutant cutaneous melanoma had increased likelihood of partial or complete response relative to NRAS-wildtype melanoma (jaeger2023objectiveresponseto pages 1-2) | Meta-analysis focused on response, not pooled toxicity; safety signals not reported in retrieved excerpt (jaeger2023objectiveresponseto pages 1-2) | https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2023.1090737 | Supports current practice in which ICI remains standard of care for advanced NRAS-mutant melanoma despite lack of approved direct NRAS-targeted therapy (phadke2023targetingnrasmutationsinadvanced pages 1-2, jaeger2023objectiveresponseto pages 1-2) |
Table: This table summarizes major therapeutic evidence in NRAS-mutant melanoma, including benchmark trial outcomes for MEK inhibition, emerging targeted combinations, and pooled immunotherapy response data. It is useful for comparing efficacy, toxicity, and clinical positioning of the main evidence-supported approaches.
No NRAS-mutant–specific prevention strategies were identified in the retrieved sources. Prevention and screening would generally follow cutaneous melanoma recommendations (UV exposure reduction, skin surveillance), but genotype-specific prevention claims cannot be made from the retrieved evidence set.
Not addressed in retrieved sources.
NRAS-mutant melanoma has multiple well-established genetically engineered mouse models used to study initiation, progression, metastasis, and immune regulation.
Explicit limitations were not systematically discussed in the retrieved excerpts; however, several studies highlight that codon-specific biology and cooperating tumor suppressor contexts can strongly affect phenotype, emphasizing the need to match model genotype to the human tumor context (e.g., Cdkn2a/Ink4a loss, UV exposure paradigms). (burd2014mutationspecificrasoncogenicity pages 1-3, murphy2022enhancedbrafengagement pages 1-2)
1) Targeting strategies remain an unmet need; direct NRAS inhibitors historically lacking: The 2023 JCO review emphasizes the lack of equivalent targeted inhibitors for mutant NRAS in melanoma and focuses on pathway targeting and emerging strategies. (phadke2023targetingnrasmutationsinadvanced pages 1-2)
2) Genotype–immunotherapy response synthesis: A 2023 systematic review/meta-analysis (Frontiers in Medicine; Feb 2023) pooled 10 studies/1,770 patients and found improved objective response likelihood for NRAS-mutant vs NRAS-wildtype melanoma (effect size 1.28). (jaeger2023objectiveresponseto pages 1-2)
3) Emerging targeted combinations with higher response signals: The 2023 JCO phase Ib expansion arm for naporafenib+trametinib reported ORR 46.7% in one dosing cohort, supporting ongoing randomized development. (braud2023initialevidencefor pages 1-3)
4) Clinicogenomic outcome stratification in routine practice cohorts: A 2024 cohort integrating targeted NGS and follow-up reported NRAS-mutant cutaneous melanoma had significantly worse overall survival (multivariable HR ~2.95) and that higher TMB predicted longer PFS on dual checkpoint blockade. (haugh2024targeteddnasequencing pages 1-2)
References
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