A daily pill can double survival time for patients with the world’s deadliest form of cancer, according to results from a clinical trial that experts are calling a “gamechanger” and one of the biggest breakthroughs in decades.
Right now, there are very few treatments for pancreatic cancer, and most do little to help. For years, scientists have worked tirelessly to find smart solutions for a cancer that is often detected late. More than half of patients are only diagnosed after the cancer has already spread.
Now, experts at the world’s largest cancer conference are celebrating the arrival of a smart drug called daraxonrasib, which they say could lead to a revolution in treatment.
In a trial involving 500 patients, all of whom had pancreatic cancer that had spread, the pill doubled survival time and caused fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy. The findings were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago.
The trial found that patients who took the drug lived significantly longer—an average of 13.2 months—compared to 6.6 to 6.7 months for those who received chemotherapy.
“These results are landscape-changing,” said Dr. Rachna Shroff, chief of oncology at the University of Arizona Cancer Center and an ASCO expert in gastrointestinal cancers, who was not involved in the study. “We are seeing unprecedented survival.”
When Shroff first read the results of the trial, led by researchers at the world-renowned Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, she said she cried.
“Having treated pancreatic cancer for 16 years, I actually started crying in the clinic. This is such an incredibly impactful study for our patients, and I really congratulate the trial investigators.”
Dr. Julie Gralow, ASCO’s chief medical officer and executive vice president, who also was not involved in the trial, called it a “gamechanger.” She added, “I’ve heard this study described as a home run. I would actually say it’s a grand slam.”
Daraxonrasib works by targeting a protein called Kras, which fuels nearly all pancreatic cancers. The drug sticks molecules together to grab and shut down Kras.
Kras is part of the Ras family of genes. These genes can cause cancer cells to keep receiving signals to grow and divide, even when they shouldn’t. This can lead to cancer growing and spreading.
More than 90% of patients with the most common form of pancreatic cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC), have a mutation in the Kras gene. This is called a Ras G12 variant, and it results in an overactive Kras protein.
Daraxonrasib is a new type of Ras inhibitor called a Ras(On) multi-selective inhibitor. It can turn off the Kras protein to stop cancer growth, whether or not there is a Kras variant, and no matter which variant it is.
“The idea of targeting Kras has always been the holy grail in most cancers, but especially in pancreatic cancer, because it is nearly always present and it drives the cancer’s growth early on,” said Shroff.
“The Ras revolution is here, and this study proves that targeting Kras in pancreatic cancer is both possible and effective.”
Paula Hanford, chief executive of UK-based Pancreatic Cancer Action, said this discovery is one of the most significant treatment developments she has ever seen.
“For far too long, people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have had very limited treatment options and survival rates that have remained devastatingly low. To see a trial showing the potential to nearly double survival time in advanced pancreatic cancer is hugely encouraging and gives real hope to patients and families facing this disease.”
Anna Jewell, director of services, research and innovation at Pancreatic Cancer UK, called the results “exciting.”
“By blocking the activity of Kras mutations, this drug, daraxonrasib, has been shown to improve survival in people withAdvanced pancreatic cancer. Patients were given months more precious time with their loved ones.
But the next step will be making sure these types of drugs are available to patients, she said. “Sadly, half of all people with pancreatic cancer die within just three months of being diagnosed. More time with the people we love most is truly priceless. We must do everything we can to make sure the most promising new treatments are available.”
Experts in Chicago also told the Guardian that because Ras genes drive other cancers as well, there is hope for breakthroughs in other areas. Similar drugs are now being tested for lung and colon cancers, they said.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of frequently asked questions based on the news that a daily pill can double survival time for the worlds deadliest cancer
BeginnerLevel Questions
Q What is this daily pill everyone is talking about
A Its a new type of cancer treatment taken once a day In a recent trial it was shown to help people with a very aggressive form of lung cancer live twice as long as they would with standard treatment
Q Which cancer is the worlds deadliest cancer
A That refers to lung cancer specifically a type called small cell lung cancer Its responsible for the most cancer deaths globally because it often spreads quickly and is hard to treat
Q Does this pill cure the cancer
A No it doesnt cure it But it significantly extends survival timemeaning people live longer while taking the pill compared to those who didnt take it
Q Is this pill available right now
A Not yet for everyone Its currently being reviewed by health authorities like the FDA It may become available as a prescription treatment within the next year or so depending on approvals
Q Who can take this pill
A The trial focused on patients with extensivestage small cell lung cancer Its not for all lung cancers or for preventionits for people already diagnosed with this specific type
IntermediateLevel Questions
Q How does this pill work
A Its a type of drug called a PARP inhibitor It blocks a repair enzyme that cancer cells rely on to fix their damaged DNA Without that repair the cancer cells die while healthy cells are less affected
Q What were the actual results of the trial
A People who took the pill lived a median of about 12 months compared to about 6 months for those on standard chemo alone Thats a doubling of median survival time Some patients lived even longer
Q Are there side effects
