New Pill Offers Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Patients

WASHINGTON — A new pill shows promise in extending the lives of people with advanced pancreatic cancer. Researchers are optimistic about this development, as pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal forms. Dr. Zev Wainberg from UCLA, who co-led the study, emphasized that while the drug does not cure cancer entirely, it represents significant progress.

The drug, named daraxonrasib, targets a mutated protein that drives tumor growth in over 90% of pancreatic cancer cases. For years, treatments have struggled to address this target. A study involving 500 patients with metastatic cancer demonstrated that daily intake of the experimental pill nearly doubled survival times compared to chemotherapy.

Published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the American Society for Clinical Oncology meeting, the research shows patients taking daraxonrasib lived for a median of 13.2 months, while those on chemotherapy lived for 6.7 months. Although modest, Dr. Wainberg considers this a significant breakthrough over traditional chemotherapy.

Dr. Rachna Shroff of the University of Arizona Cancer Center shared her emotional response upon reviewing the results. Many patients continued the treatment, experiencing reduced pain and improved quality of life as their tumors shrank.

Dr. Brian Wolpin from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute presented these findings, suggesting the drug should become a standard care option for previously treated metastatic pancreatic cancer. Additionally, he noted that researchers plan to assess its potential use at earlier stages of the disease.

Revolution Medicines sponsored the study, and the FDA is expediting the drug’s review while allowing expanded access to certain patients. Former U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse’s positive experience with the drug on “60 Minutes” has led to increased demand.

The five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is 13%, largely due to late detection. The American Cancer Society estimates 67,000 new U.S. cases this year, with over 52,000 deaths expected. Unlike other types of cancer where chemo alternatives have advanced, pancreatic cancer has remained challenging to treat.

Cancer experts not involved in the research express hope that this drug could be the beginning of new treatment options. Daraxonrasib targets KRAS gene mutations, driving pancreatic cancer growth. Previously considered “undruggable,” the drug uses molecular glue to bind KRAS subtypes. Future studies will explore its effectiveness across different subtypes.

Dr. Andrew Coveler from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, although not part of the study, praised daraxonrasib’s innovative approach. Dr. Wainberg mentioned ongoing research efforts targeting specific KRAS subtypes and early-stage vaccine testing to prevent post-surgery recurrence.