Cancer treatment has long faced a major obstacle in targeting specific genetic mutations effectively, especially those thought to be “undruggable.” One of the most notorious of these is the KRAS mutation—a driver of many aggressive and treatment-resistant cancers. However, a recent scientific breakthrough has changed the game: Sotorasib, the first-ever KRAS inhibitor to be approved for clinical use.
Sotorasib is a targeted therapy designed to inhibit the KRAS G12C mutation, found in several solid tumours, particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). For decades, KRAS was considered out of reach for targeted therapies due to the complexity of its structure. Today, Sotorasib has paved a new path in precision oncology, offering new hope to patients with previously limited options.
In this article, we’ll explore what Sotorasib is, how it works, its success in clinical trials, and how trusted pharmaceutical options like LUMAKRAS 120 MG TABLET are helping make this revolutionary therapy available in India and beyond.
What Is Sotorasib?
Sotorasib is an oral targeted therapy developed to inhibit a specific mutated form of the KRAS gene—KRAS G12C. This mutation is found in approximately 13% of non-small cell lung cancers and a smaller percentage of colorectal and pancreatic cancers. It leads to the constant activation of the KRAS protein, which in turn drives tumour growth and resistance to standard treatments.
Sotorasib is the first approved KRAS G12C inhibitor and was granted accelerated approval by the US FDA under the brand name LUMAKRAS. It works by selectively and irreversibly binding to the mutant KRAS protein, locking it in an inactive state and preventing it from transmitting signals that cause cancer cells to grow and survive.
How Does Sotorasib Work?
KRAS is part of the RAS family of proteins, which regulate important cell functions such as proliferation, survival, and differentiation. In normal cells, KRAS is turned on and off as needed. However, when a mutation like G12C occurs, KRAS gets stuck in the “on” position—constantly telling the cell to divide, which leads to cancer.
Sotorasib targets this specific mutation and binds to a pocket in the KRAS G12C protein, preventing its activation. By doing this, it disrupts cancer cell signalling and allows the cells to undergo programmed death (apoptosis).
What makes Sotorasib particularly groundbreaking is its selectivity—it spares healthy, non-mutated KRAS, thereby reducing toxicity and increasing treatment precision.
Who Can Benefit from Sotorasib?
Sotorasib is indicated for adult patients with KRAS G12C-mutated locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have received at least one prior systemic therapy. It is also being studied in other KRAS G12C-driven cancers, including:
- Colorectal cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Appendiceal cancer
- Endometrial cancer
Before prescribing Sotorasib, oncologists confirm the presence of the KRAS G12C mutation through a validated molecular diagnostic test. This is often done using next-generation sequencing (NGS) on tumour tissue or circulating tumour DNA (liquid biopsy).
Patients who have this mutation and have progressed after chemotherapy or immunotherapy are considered ideal candidates for Sotorasib.
Clinical Trials and Effectiveness
The efficacy of Sotorasib was demonstrated in the CodeBreaK 100 clinical trial, a landmark study that enrolled patients with previously treated KRAS G12C-mutated NSCLC.
Key highlights from the study include:
- Objective response rate (ORR): ~37%
- Disease control rate: ~80%
- Median duration of response: Over 11 months
- Median progression-free survival: ~6.8 months
These outcomes are considered excellent for a heavily pre-treated population, especially when no KRAS-targeting treatments existed before.
In real-world settings, patients have reported:
- Improved breathing
- Reduced tumour burden
- Enhanced quality of life
- Delay in the need for additional chemotherapy
LUMAKRAS 120 MG TABLET: Trusted Brand of Sotorasib
LUMAKRAS 120 MG TABLET is the commercial brand of Sotorasib available in India and several international markets. It is manufactured to meet stringent pharmaceutical standards and provides a reliable, consistent formulation of the drug for patients who need access to advanced targeted therapy.
The tablet is usually taken once daily, with or without food, and should be swallowed whole. Oncologists may adjust the dosage based on side effects, drug interactions, or liver function.
LUMAKRAS has helped bridge the gap in cancer care for many patients in India by offering access to a globally approved drug at a local level. This means that Indian patients no longer need to travel abroad or wait for clinical trial slots to benefit from cutting-edge precision medicine.
Common Side Effects of Sotorasib
While Sotorasib is generally well-tolerated, patients may experience side effects. Most are mild to moderate and manageable with supportive care or dose modification.
Common side effects include:
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigue
- Liver enzyme elevation (ALT/AST)
- Nausea
- Joint pain
- Cough
Serious side effects may include interstitial lung disease (ILD) or hepatotoxicity, though these are relatively rare. Oncologists usually monitor patients with regular blood tests and imaging to detect and manage such risks promptly.
Monitoring and Follow-Up
Patients on Sotorasib require regular follow-ups to monitor:
- Liver function
- Lung imaging (for early signs of pneumonitis)
- Overall treatment response via CT or PET scans
- Medication interactions with other cancer or supportive therapies
Because it is an oral therapy, patient compliance and education are crucial to ensure maximum benefit.
Advantages of Sotorasib Over Traditional Therapies
Traditional therapies like platinum-based chemotherapy or immunotherapy have been the standard for NSCLC. However, their effectiveness in KRAS G12C-mutated tumours has been limited.
Sotorasib provides several advantages:
- Precision targeting: Hits the mutation directly instead of killing all dividing cells
- Better tolerability: Lower toxicity profile compared to chemotherapy
- Oral administration: More convenient than IV infusions
- Rapid onset: Tumour reduction seen within weeks in many patients
By offering targeted efficacy with fewer side effects, Sotorasib redefines the standard of care for patients who previously had few options.
Future Research and Expanding Use
Sotorasib is just the beginning of a wave of KRAS inhibitors. It is currently being evaluated in combination with other treatments like:
- Checkpoint inhibitors (immunotherapy)
- EGFR inhibitors
- Other targeted therapies
Clinical trials such as CodeBreaK 200 and 300 are ongoing to compare Sotorasib with chemotherapy in earlier lines of treatment, as well as expanding its use in other KRAS G12C cancers.
The success of Sotorasib has also led to the development of next-generation KRAS inhibitors that may target additional mutations beyond G12C, opening new doors in oncology.
The Importance of Genetic Testing
Patients with NSCLC or other solid tumours should undergo comprehensive molecular profiling to detect KRAS G12C mutations. This allows oncologists to personalise treatment plans and select the most appropriate therapies.
Liquid biopsies are increasingly being used as a non-invasive way to test for actionable mutations. Early detection of KRAS mutations can lead to earlier intervention with Sotorasib, resulting in better outcomes.
Accessibility and Affordability in India
As targeted therapies become the future of cancer care, ensuring affordable access is critical. The availability of LUMAKRAS 120 MG TABLET in India is a significant step toward equitable treatment.
Pharmacies and cancer care providers are now working to:
- Increase access through bulk supply
- Offer patient assistance programs
- Work with oncologists to ensure smooth prescription and monitoring
The goal is to make Sotorasib available to every eligible patient without delays or financial burden.
Final Words
Sotorasib represents a paradigm shift in the treatment of KRAS G12C-mutated cancers, especially non-small cell lung cancer. By targeting one of the most elusive oncogenes, it offers renewed hope to patients with aggressive and resistant tumours.
With proven results, manageable side effects, and increasing global availability, Sotorasib is quickly becoming an integral part of modern oncology.
Thanks to trusted formulations like LUMAKRAS 120 MG TABLET, patients in India can now access this life-changing medication with confidence.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with KRAS G12C-mutant lung cancer, speak to your oncologist about genetic testing and the potential of targeted therapy with Sotorasib. The future of cancer treatment is personal—and it starts with understanding your genes.
