Pancreatic Cancer Research and Treatment
Early clinical trials of the drug daraxonrasib, targeting KRAS gene mutations, have shown its combination with chemotherapy may nearly double survival outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients, as reported on April 27, 2026. As of April 27, 2026: Researchers at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) are involved in this advancement, following a Phase II clinical trial across 15 European hospitals that demonstrated tumor regression with a novel immunotherapy agent on February 1, 2026. A phase 2a clinical trial of atebimetinib combination therapy achieved a 64% 12-month overall survival rate, and the FDA granted Orphan Drug Designation to NP-G2-044 (Prilukae) and Utidelone injection for pancreatic cancer treatment on January 27, 2026. CNIO researchers also identified new genes, FCN1 and PLAT, as potential biomarkers for high-risk populations on April 6, 2026. These developments build on earlier breakthroughs, including the complete elimination of pancreatic tumors in mice using a novel therapy, which garnered public attention on January 27, 2026.
Timeline
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April 2026 — 2 developments
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.
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.