Pancreatic cancer drug extends median survival in clinical trial

Researchers found that daraxonrasib, taken as a daily pill, extended survival time for pancreatic cancer patients in clinical testing.

The drug doubled median survival duration compared to standard treatments, according to the trial data. Pancreatic cancer carries one of the lowest survival rates among major cancers, making new treatment options a priority for oncologists.

Daraxonrasib targets a specific pathway involved in pancreatic cancer cell growth. Researchers designed the drug to block this mechanism, which previous studies indicated played a role in tumor development and progression.

The clinical trial enrolled patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who had not received prior treatment. Patients received either daraxonrasib or a control treatment. Those taking daraxonrasib survived significantly longer than the control group, researchers reported.

Oncologists noted the results represent progress in managing a disease that typically has poor outcomes. Pancreatic cancer ranks among the deadliest cancers partly because patients often receive diagnoses at advanced stages, when the disease has already spread.

Daraxonrasib entered development after scientists identified the cellular pathway the drug blocks. Laboratory studies showed blocking this pathway inhibited tumor growth in pancreatic cancer cells. Researchers then moved to human trials to test whether the mechanism worked in patients.

Side effects in the trial included gastrointestinal symptoms and fatigue, researchers said. Most adverse events were mild to moderate in severity. The safety profile appeared manageable compared to other pancreatic cancer treatments.

The drug manufacturer submitted the trial data to regulatory authorities for review. Approval would require the Food and Drug Administration to confirm the trial met its statistical endpoints and that benefits outweighed risks.

Pancreatic cancer accounts for roughly 3 percent of U.S. cancer diagnoses but represents about 7 percent of cancer deaths, according to National Institutes of Health data. The five-year survival rate for all stages combined remains below 12 percent.

Researchers plan additional studies to test daraxonrasib in combination with other cancer treatments. They also aim to identify which patients benefit most from the drug through biomarker testing.

Other pharmaceutical companies have treatments in development targeting similar pathways in pancreatic cancer. The competitive landscape reflects growing investment in addressing the disease.