Scientists achieve pancreatic tumour regression in breakthrough study
Scientists at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), led by Dr. Mariano Barbacid, have achieved complete and lasting regression of pancreatic tumors in mice using a novel triple combination therapy. This breakthrough, published in PNAS, targets three key points in the KRAS oncogene pathway (KRAS, EGFR, and STAT3) to overcome treatment resistance, a major challenge in pancreatic cancer. While the results are highly promising and represent a significant step forward, the research is currently in preclinical stages, and human clinical trials are not yet imminent. The findings are expected to guide the development of new clinical trials, offering renewed hope for patients with this aggressive cancer.
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Track this story2026
3 updates
2026
3 updatesA new therapeutic approach involving a novel immunotherapy agent demonstrated tumor regression in a Phase II clinical trial conducted across 15 European hospitals.
via news.prai.co
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.
via jci.org·en.cibercuba.com·cnio.es·meyercancer.weill.cornell.edu
2025
5 updates
2025
5 updatesPanCAN's 2025 Research Spotlight highlighted advancements in targeting the 'undruggable' RAS mutation, including the RASOLUTE 302 trial for the investigational drug daraxonrasib.
via pancan.org
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.
via jci.org·en.cibercuba.com·cnio.es·meyercancer.weill.cornell.edu
A review article highlights the historical 'undruggable' status of KRAS and recent progress, emphasizing the significance of new KRAS-targeting strategies in pancreatic cancer.
via jci.org·en.cibercuba.com·cnio.es·meyercancer.weill.cornell.edu
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.
via jci.org·en.cibercuba.com·cnio.es·meyercancer.weill.cornell.edu
2024
1 update
2024
1 updateResearch highlights the prevalence and aggressive nature of KRAS-G12D mutations in pancreatic cancer, underscoring the urgent need for effective treatments.
via jci.org·en.cibercuba.com·cnio.es·meyercancer.weill.cornell.edu
2021
1 update
2021
1 updateThe 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.
via jci.org·en.cibercuba.com·cnio.es·meyercancer.weill.cornell.edu
2019
1 update
2019
1 updateDr. 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.
via jci.org·en.cibercuba.com·cnio.es·meyercancer.weill.cornell.edu
1998
1 update
1998
1 updateDr. Mariano Barbacid returns to Spain to establish the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), dedicating its focus to Ras-driven cancers.
via jci.org·en.cibercuba.com·cnio.es·meyercancer.weill.cornell.edu
1982
1 update
1982
1 updateDr. Mariano Barbacid identifies the KRAS oncogene in human cancer, a foundational discovery for understanding cancer's genetic basis, including pancreatic cancer.
via jci.org·en.cibercuba.com·cnio.es·meyercancer.weill.cornell.edu
2025
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