Pancreatic Cancer Research and Treatment
On May 30, 2026, the pan-RAS inhibitor daraxonrasib nearly doubled the median overall survival for patients with previously treated metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) compared to standard chemotherapy, as presented at ASCO 2026. As of June 3, 2026, an mRNA vaccine is moving to a Phase 2 clinical trial for preventing pancreatic cancer recurrence, and a triple-drug therapy has achieved complete tumor regression in mice by targeting the KRAS pathway. Daraxonrasib, which targets all RAS-mutant proteins including KRAS, received fast-track designation for FDA review and demonstrated a median survival of 13.2 months in Phase 3 trials compared to 6.7 months for chemotherapy alone. Researchers are also developing an AI-driven algorithm to identify patients likely to respond to platinum-based chemotherapy or PARP inhibitors, and Oncolytics Biotech presented data on pelareorep, an immunotherapy that induced tumor volume reduction in pancreatic cancer models.
Timeline
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June 2026 — 1 developments
An mRNA vaccine has shown strong enough results in an early-phase study to warrant a Phase 2 clinical trial for preventing pancreatic cancer recurrence after surgical tumor removal.
An mRNA vaccine has shown strong enough results in an early-phase study to warrant a Phase 2 clinical trial for preventing pancreatic cancer recurrence after surgical tumor removal. Additionally, a triple-drug therapy has demonstrated complete tumor regression in mice by targeting the KRAS pathway at multiple points.
May 2026 — 6 developments
On May 28, 2026, the pan-RAS inhibitor daraxonrasib showed promising results at ASCO 2026, nearly do…
On May 28, 2026, the pan-RAS inhibitor daraxonrasib showed promising results at ASCO 2026, nearly doubling median overall survival for patients with previously treated metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) compared to standard chemotherapy. This development is considered the most significant advance in PDAC treatment in over a decade. Daraxonrasib targets all RAS-mutant proteins, including KRAS, which is prevalent in PDAC.
An AI-driven algorithm has been developed to identify patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer who are likely to respond to platinum-based chemotherapy or PARP inhibitors.
An AI-driven algorithm has been developed to identify patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer who are likely to respond to platinum-based chemotherapy or PARP inhibitors. Separately, CNIO researchers have successfully eliminated pancreatic tumors in mice using a triple-drug therapy, with no significant side effects or development of resistance.
On May 22, 2026, Oncolytics Biotech presented data at ASCO 2026 for their immunotherapy, pelareorep,…
On May 22, 2026, Oncolytics Biotech presented data at ASCO 2026 for their immunotherapy, pelareorep, which induced an antiviral immune response within tumors leading to tumor volume reduction in pancreatic cancer models. The research also indicated the expansion of mutant KRAS-specific T-cell clones and evidence of tertiary lymphoid structures.
A novel drug delivery platform using mild electrical currents for chemotherapy has entered its first-in-human clinical trial for pancreatic cancer.
A novel drug delivery platform using mild electrical currents for chemotherapy has entered its first-in-human clinical trial for pancreatic cancer. Separately, a triple-combination therapy has effectively eliminated pancreatic tumors in mice by targeting the KRAS pathway at three points simultaneously.
New clinical trial data indicate that KRAS-blocking drugs like daraxonrasib, when combined with chem…
New clinical trial data indicate that KRAS-blocking drugs like daraxonrasib, when combined with chemotherapy, may significantly improve survival outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients. In Phase 3 trials, daraxonrasib showed a median survival of 13.2 months compared to 6.7 months for chemotherapy alone. The drug has received fast-track designation for FDA review.
The drug daraxonrasib, targeting KRAS mutations, has received the U.
The drug daraxonrasib, targeting KRAS mutations, has received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's fastest track for approval. This drug, which has shown promise in clinical trials when combined with chemotherapy, is part of a new generation of KRAS inhibitors designed to combat treatment resistance.
April 2026 — 3 developments
CNIO researchers have identified a protein called PI3K-C2Y that may act as a tumor suppressor in pancreatic cancer.
CNIO researchers have identified a protein called PI3K-C2Y that may act as a tumor suppressor in pancreatic cancer. Blocking this protein could accelerate tumor growth, implying that PI3K-C2Y itself might be a therapeutic target to slow cancer progression. Further research is underway to explore this protein and discover new therapeutic targets.
The drug daraxonrasib, targeting KRAS gene mutations, has shown in early clinical trials that its co…
The drug daraxonrasib, targeting KRAS gene mutations, has shown in early clinical trials that its combination with chemotherapy may nearly double survival outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients. Researchers at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) are involved in this advancement.
CNIO researchers have identified new genes, FCN1 and PLAT, that may predispose individuals to pancreatic cancer and could serve as biomarkers for screening high-risk populations.
CNIO researchers have identified new genes, FCN1 and PLAT, that may predispose individuals to pancreatic cancer and could serve as biomarkers for screening high-risk populations. The study also explored the role of the complement system in pancreatic cancer, suggesting potential avenues for new immunotherapies.
February 2026 — 1 developments
A new therapeutic approach involving a novel immunotherapy agent demonstrated tumor regression in a Phase II clinical trial conducted across 15 European hospitals.
A new therapeutic approach involving a novel immunotherapy agent demonstrated tumor regression in a Phase II clinical trial conducted across 15 European hospitals.
January 2026 — 2 developments
A phase 2a clinical trial of atebimetinib combination therapy showed a 64% 12-month overall survival rate in pancreatic cancer patients.
A phase 2a clinical trial of atebimetinib combination therapy showed a 64% 12-month overall survival rate in pancreatic cancer patients. Additionally, the FDA granted Orphan Drug Designation to NP-G2-044 (Prilukae) and Utidelone injection for pancreatic cancer treatment.
News outlets begin reporting on the breakthrough, drawing public attention to the complete elimination of pancreatic tumors in mice using the novel therapy.
News outlets begin reporting on the breakthrough, drawing public attention to the complete elimination of pancreatic tumors in mice using the novel therapy.
December 2025 — 1 developments
PanCAN's 2025 Research Spotlight highlighted advancements in targeting the 'undruggable' RAS mutation, including the RASOLUTE 302 trial for the investigational drug daraxonrasib.
PanCAN's 2025 Research Spotlight highlighted advancements in targeting the 'undruggable' RAS mutation, including the RASOLUTE 302 trial for the investigational drug daraxonrasib.
October 2025 — 2 developments
A new breath test for the early detection of pancreatic cancer has launched trials involving thousands of patients, aiming to revolutionize diagnosis.
A new breath test for the early detection of pancreatic cancer has launched trials involving thousands of patients, aiming to revolutionize diagnosis.
The Lustgarten Foundation publishes a report detailing the critical role of KRAS as a target in pancreatic cancer and the ongoing development of multi-KRAS inhibitors.
The Lustgarten Foundation publishes a report detailing the critical role of KRAS as a target in pancreatic cancer and the ongoing development of multi-KRAS inhibitors.
August 2025 — 2 developments
A review article highlights the historical 'undruggable' status of KRAS and recent progress, emphasizing the significance of new KRAS-targeting strategies in pancreatic cancer.
A review article highlights the historical 'undruggable' status of KRAS and recent progress, emphasizing the significance of new KRAS-targeting strategies in pancreatic cancer.
A preprint of the study titled 'A targeted combination therapy achieves effective pancreatic cancer …
A preprint of the study titled 'A targeted combination therapy achieves effective pancreatic cancer regression and prevents tumor resistance' is posted on bioRxiv, publicly disclosing the breakthrough findings.
October 2024 — 1 developments
Research highlights the prevalence and aggressive nature of KRAS-G12D mutations in pancreatic cancer, underscoring the urgent need for effective treatments.
Research highlights the prevalence and aggressive nature of KRAS-G12D mutations in pancreatic cancer, underscoring the urgent need for effective treatments.
July 2023 — 1 developments
A candidate drug, TCX-201, has demonstrated complete tumor regressions in preclinical models of colorectal and pancreatic cancer.
A candidate drug, TCX-201, has demonstrated complete tumor regressions in preclinical models of colorectal and pancreatic cancer. Clinical trials are planned for next year, involving Qilu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Tacalyx.
January 2021 — 1 developments
The first KRAS-targeting drugs (specifically for the G12C mutation) receive approval for other cance…
The first KRAS-targeting drugs (specifically for the G12C mutation) receive approval for other cancer types, demonstrating the druggability of KRAS but highlighting the challenge of resistance in pancreatic cancer.
January 2019 — 1 developments
Dr. Barbacid's group at CNIO achieves initial, albeit limited, success in suppressing pancreatic can…
Dr. Barbacid's group at CNIO achieves initial, albeit limited, success in suppressing pancreatic cancer in mice by targeting EGFR and RAF1, laying groundwork for future combination therapies.
January 1998 — 1 developments
Dr. Mariano Barbacid returns to Spain to establish the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológica…
Dr. Mariano Barbacid returns to Spain to establish the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), dedicating its focus to Ras-driven cancers.
January 1982 — 1 developments
Dr. Mariano Barbacid identifies the KRAS oncogene in human cancer, a foundational discovery for unde…
Dr. Mariano Barbacid identifies the KRAS oncogene in human cancer, a foundational discovery for understanding cancer's genetic basis, including pancreatic cancer.