KRAS G12C inhibitors such as sotorasib and adagrasib are often effective in KRAS G12C–driven non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. However, acquired resistance limits long-term patient survival. In this issue of the JCI, Tsai et al. present a comprehensive genetic analysis of multiple tumors with acquired sotorasib resistance obtained through an autopsy of a patient with KRAS G12C–mutant NSCLC. This analysis of pre- and posttreatment tumors uncovered cancer cell–intrinsic and –extrinsic features of resistance, including reactivation of KRAS-mediated signaling, reprogramming of metabolism, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and tumor microenvironment changes. This elegant study demonstrates the multifaceted nature of KRAS G12C inhibitor clinical resistance and potential avenues to overcome resistance.
Tadashi Manabe, Trever G. Bivona