A new pancreatic cancer drug has shown the potential to nearly double survival time in patients with advanced stages of the disease, according to findings from a large clinical trial.
The oral treatment, named Daraxonrasib, was tested in a study involving 500 patients across North America, Europe and Asia.
Researchers found that patients who received the drug lived an average of 13.2 months, compared with 6.6 months for those treated with standard chemotherapy.
Experts describe breakthrough results
Experts have described the findings as one of the most significant developments in pancreatic cancer research in recent years.
“This is one of the most exciting developments we have seen in pancreatic cancer for a long time,” said Anna Jewell, director of services, research and innovation at Pancreatic Cancer UK.
The study also found that patients experienced fewer side effects compared with traditional chemotherapy treatments.
How the drug works
The pancreatic cancer drug works by targeting and switching off the mutated KRAS gene, which drives tumour growth and spread.
This gene is present in more than 90% of pancreatic tumours, making it a key target for researchers seeking more effective treatments.
Scientists believe this mechanism could significantly change treatment approaches for the disease in the future.
High mortality rates remain a challenge
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest major cancers, with a very high mortality rate.
It is often diagnosed at a late stage, and more than half of patients die within three months of diagnosis.
In the United Kingdom alone, around 11,500 people are diagnosed each year, and approximately 10,200 die from the disease, according to Cancer Research UK.
Symptoms and late diagnosis issues
Symptoms of the disease may include jaundice, itchy skin, dark urine, pale stools, unexplained weight loss, fatigue and fever.
However, pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect early, as symptoms often appear at later stages and can be mistaken for other conditions.
Source: CNA
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