An analysis of TCGA database indicated that patients with KRAS mutated CRC but not wild-type KRAS CRC expressing low levels of ferritin displayed longer 3- and 5-year survival when compared with patients bearing tumors with high ferritin levels, supporting a role of intracellular iron and free radical scavenging mechanisms in protecting CRC cells also in patients. The gene discussed is KRAS; the disease is colorectal carcinoma.