A clinical trial has found that a daily pill nearly doubles survival time for patients with the world’s deadliest cancer, pancreatic cancer. The findings were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s (Asco) annual meeting in Chicago and are being hailed as a major breakthrough in the field.

Breakthrough in Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most challenging cancers to treat, with few effective options available — most patients are diagnosed after the cancer has already spread, and survival rates have remained low for decades. In a trial involving 500 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, those who took the pill called daraxonrasib lived an average of 13.2 months—double the 6.6 to 6.7 months for those on chemotherapy.

“These results are area-changing. ” said Dr Rachna Shroff, the chief of oncology at the University of Arizona Cancer Center and an Asco expert in gastrointestinal cancers. She added that she was moved to tears upon reading the trial results, calling it “one of the most impactful studies for our patients.”

How the Drug Works

Daraxonrasib targets a protein called Kras, which is responsible for nearly all pancreatic cancers. More than 90% of patients with the most common form of pancreatic cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC), have a mutation in the Kras gene, known as a Ras G12 variant. This mutation causes the Kras protein to become overactive, leading to the growth and spread of cancer cells.

“The idea of targeting Kras has always been the holy grail in most malignancies, but specifically in pancreas cancer,” said Shroff. “This study is proof of principle that targeting Kras in pancreatic cancer is feasible and effective.”

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, regardless of the specific variant present.

Hopes for Wider Application

Experts believe that similar drugs could also benefit patients with other cancers, as Ras genes are involved in the growth of many types of tumors. Trials for lung and colon cancers are already underway. “The Ras revolution is here,” said Shroff.

Paula Hanford, the chief executive of UK-based Pancreatic Cancer Action, described the discovery as one of the most significant developments in treatment she had ever seen. “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,” she said.

Anna Jewell, the director of services, research and innovation at Pancreatic Cancer UK, called the results “exciting.” “By blocking the activity of Kras mutations, this drug has been shown to improve survival in people with advanced pancreatic cancer,” she said.

She also emphasized the importance of making such treatments widely available. “Tragically, half of all people with pancreatic cancer die within just three months of their diagnosis. More time with those we love most is truly priceless. We must do everything possible to ensure the most promising new treatments are available.”

The drug, taken once daily, also caused fewer side-effects than chemotherapy. Severe side-effects were experienced by 43.6% of patients on daraxonrasib compared to 57.5% on chemotherapy.

Experts at the Asco meeting said the trial involved 248 patients who were given daraxonrasib and 252 who received chemotherapy. Most had tumors with specific mutations of the Kras gene.