Feedback activation of EGFR/wild-type RAS signaling axis limits KRAS G12D inhibitor efficacy in KRAS G12D -mutated colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC), which shows a high degree of heterogeneity, is the third most deadly cancer worldwide. Mutational activation of KRAS occurs in approximately 10-12% of CRC cases, but the susceptibility of KRAS -mutated CRC to the recently discovered KRAS inhibitor MRTX1133 has not been fully defined. Here, we report that MRTX1133 treatment caused reversible growth arrest in KRAS -mutated CRC cells, accompanied by partial reactivation of RAS effector signaling. Through a drug-anchored synthetic lethality screen, we discovered that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibition was synthetic lethal with MRTX1133. Mechanistically, MRTX1133 treatment downregulated the expression of ERBB receptor feedback inhibitor 1 (ERRFI1), a crucial negative regulator of EGFR, thereby causing EGFR feedback activation. Notably, wild-type isoforms of RAS, including H-RAS and N-RAS, but not oncogenic K-RAS, mediated signaling downstream of activated EGFR, leading to RAS effector signaling rebound and reduced MRTX1133 efficacy. Blockade of activated EGFR with clinically used antibodies or kinase inhibitors suppressed the EGFR/wild-type RAS signaling axis, sensitized MRTX1133 monotherapy, and caused the regression of KRAS -mutant CRC organoids and cell line-derived xenografts. Overall, this study uncovers feedback activation of EGFR as a prominent molecular event that restricts KRAS inhibitor efficacy and establishes a potential combination therapy consisting of KRAS and EGFR inhibitors for patients with KRAS -mutated CRC.