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Breakthrough drug extends survival for pancreatic cancer patients
A recently concluded clinical trial has revealed that a new oral medication, daraxonrasib, nearly doubles the average survival time for patients battling advanced pancreatic cancer. The disease, known for its high mortality rate, has long posed significant treatment challenges.
How the drug works
Daraxonrasib targets the mutated KRAS gene, which is present in over 90% of pancreatic tumors and drives cancer progression. By inhibiting this gene, the drug helps prevent the spread of cancer cells.
Trial results and impact
The international trial, involving 500 patients across North America, Europe, and Asia, compared daraxonrasib with traditional chemotherapy. Patients receiving the new drug survived an average of 13.2 months, compared to 6.6 months for those on chemotherapy.
The drug also demonstrated a better side-effect profile. Severe side effects were reported in 43.6% of patients taking daraxonrasib, versus 57.5% of those undergoing chemotherapy.
Expert reactions
"These results are landscape-changing for metastatic pancreatic cancer patients with a KRAS mutation."
Rachna Shroff, Chief of Haematology/Oncology, University of Arizona Cancer Center
Anna Jewell, Director of Services, Research and Innovation at Pancreatic Cancer UK, called the findings "some of the most exciting developments we have seen in pancreatic cancer for a very long time." She emphasized the importance of making such treatments accessible in the UK.
Challenges in pancreatic cancer treatment
Pancreatic cancer is notoriously difficult to diagnose early, as symptoms often appear only in advanced stages. Common signs include jaundice, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and changes in urine and stool color.
In the UK alone, approximately 11,500 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer annually, with around 10,200 succumbing to the disease. The late-stage diagnosis contributes to the high mortality rate, with over half of patients dying within three months.
Next steps
The trial results were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's annual meeting in Chicago. Researchers and advocates are now urging regulatory bodies to expedite the approval process to make daraxonrasib available to patients as soon as possible.
