Pancreatic Cancer Research and Treatment
An Israeli clinical trial for an experimental pancreatic cancer treatment began in late July 2026, while the FDA accepted a New Drug Application for the KRAS-targeted therapy daraxonrasib on July 26, 2026, which nearly doubled survival times for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer in Phase 3 trials. As of July 31, 2026, daraxonrasib has shown promising results, nearly doubling survival rates and reducing the risk of death by 60%. An experimental pancreatic cancer vaccine also generated an immune response in 90% of high-risk patients in its first human trial by July 28, 2026, with cysts shrinking or disappearing in over 37% of them. Additionally, Break Through Cancer and the Lustgarten Foundation launched a $16 million initiative on July 27, 2026, focused on the KRAS gene, which is mutated in over 90% of pancreatic cancer cases.
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August 2026 — 1 developments
Olomorasib Receives FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for Pancreatic Cancer
Olomorasib received FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation on August 3, 2026, for adults with previously treated, KRAS G12C-mutant advanced pancreatic cancer. This designation is based on preliminary findings from a phase 1/2 trial. The drug targets the KRAS mutation, which is prevalent in pancreatic cancer.
July 2026 — 7 developments
Pancreatic Cancer Research Advances: New Trial Begins, Survival Rates Improve, and Risk Genes Identified
An Israeli clinical trial for an experimental pancreatic cancer treatment began in late July 2026. Separately, Daraxonrasib has shown promising results in clinical trials, nearly doubling survival rates for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and reducing the risk of death by 60%. Additionally, mutations in genes FCN1 and PLAT have been identified as potentially increasing the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Experimental Pancreatic Cancer Vaccine Shows Promise in Early Human Trial
An experimental pancreatic cancer vaccine has shown promise in its first human trial, generating an immune response in 90% of high-risk patients and causing cysts to shrink or disappear in over 37% of them. Researchers are optimistic about its potential to intercept cancer development through long-lasting immunity.
New $16 Million Initiative Launched to Research KRAS Gene in Pancreatic Cancer
Break Through Cancer and the Lustgarten Foundation have launched a $16 million initiative focused on the KRAS gene, which is mutated in over 90% of pancreatic cancer cases. This initiative will support research building on a 2024 clinical correlative study to understand how pancreatic cancers respond and adapt to RAS-directed therapy.
FDA Accepts Daraxonrasib Application; New Triple Therapy Shows Tumor Regression in Mice
The FDA has accepted a New Drug Application for the KRAS-targeted therapy daraxonrasib, which nearly doubled survival times for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer in Phase 3 trials. Separately, an experimental triple-drug therapy has shown complete and lasting regression of pancreatic tumors in mice.
New Triple Therapy Achieves Complete Pancreatic Tumor Regression in Preclinical Models
A novel triple therapy combining daraxonrasib, afatinib, and SD36 has achieved complete and durable regression of pancreatic tumors in preclinical models, demonstrating no signs of resistance even after 200 days of treatment. This approach simultaneously targets multiple tumor signaling pathways, addressing a key challenge in pancreatic cancer treatment.
New Discovery Reveals How Pancreatic Cancer Cells Evade Immune System
Researchers have discovered that pancreatic cancer cells evade the immune system by activating a pathway that leads to PD-L1 accumulation on their surface, preventing immune cells from attacking. A study published in Science Immunology identified a molecule that can block this pathway, potentially offering a new strategy to enhance immunotherapy effectiveness against pancreatic cancer.
New Pancreatic Cancer Therapy Zoldonrasib Shows High Tumor Shrinkage Rates in Early Study
Early findings from a Phase I/II study of zoldonrasib, an investigational targeted therapy for KRAS G12D-mutated pancreatic cancer, presented at ESMO Gastrointestinal Cancers Congress 2026, showed high rates of tumor shrinkage and significant reductions in cancer DNA. Zoldonrasib is designed to inhibit the KRAS G12D mutation, a common driver of pancreatic cancer.
June 2026 — 3 developments
Pancreatic Cancer Drug Daraxonrasib Nears Approval After Doubling Survival in Trials
Revolution Medicines is seeking regulatory approval for daraxonrasib, a drug that nearly doubled overall survival in Phase III trials for advanced pancreatic cancer, reducing the risk of death by 60%. Scientists have also identified IL1RAP as a promising therapeutic target for operable pancreatic cancer, with a clinical trial combining IL1RAP-targeted therapy with chemoimmunotherapy underway.
Experimental Compounds Show Promise Against KRAS-Mutated Pancreatic Cancer
Experimental compounds called PCAIs have shown potential in reducing the survival and migration of pancreatic cancer cells, particularly those driven by KRAS mutations. Two compounds, NSL-YHJ-2-45 and NSL-YHJ-2-27, were particularly effective in a study published in *Oncotarget*.
Pancreatic Cancer Research: mRNA Vaccine Shows Promise, Triple-Drug Therapy Effective in Mice
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
Daraxonrasib Nearly Doubles Survival in Pancreatic Cancer Trial at ASCO 2026
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.
AI Model and Triple-Drug Therapy Show Promise in Pancreatic Cancer Research
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.
Oncolytics Biotech Presents Immunotherapy Data Showing Tumor Reduction in Pancreatic Cancer Models at ASCO 2026
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.
Pancreatic Cancer: New Drug Delivery Platform Enters Human Trials, Combination Therapy Shows Promise in Mice
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.
Daraxonrasib Phase 3 Trial Shows Improved Survival in Pancreatic Cancer
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.
Daraxonrasib Drug for Pancreatic Cancer Receives FDA Fast Track Approval
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 Identify PI3K-C2Y Protein as Potential Pancreatic Cancer Tumor Suppressor
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.
Daraxonrasib Combination Therapy Shows Potential to Double Pancreatic Cancer Survival
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 Identify New Pancreatic Cancer Genes FCN1 and PLAT
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
Novel Immunotherapy Agent Shows Tumor Regression in Phase II Trial
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
Atebimetinib combination therapy shows 64% 12-month survival in pancreatic cancer trial; FDA grants Orphan Drug Designation to NP-G2-044 and Utidelone.
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 Report Complete Elimination of Pancreatic Tumors in Mice with 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 highlights advancements in targeting RAS mutation
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
New Breath Test Launches Trials for Early Pancreatic Cancer Detection
A new breath test for the early detection of pancreatic cancer has launched trials involving thousands of patients, aiming to revolutionize diagnosis.
Lustgarten Foundation Publishes Report on KRAS as Pancreatic Cancer Target
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
Review highlights progress in targeting 'undruggable' KRAS 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.
Study Preprint Discloses Pancreatic Cancer Breakthrough Findings on bioRxiv
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 prevalence and aggressive nature of KRAS-G12D mutations in pancreatic cancer
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
New drug TCX-201 shows complete tumor regressions in preclinical cancer models
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
First KRAS-targeting drugs approved for other cancer types, highlighting pancreatic cancer resistance
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
CNIO Group Achieves Limited Success Suppressing Pancreatic Cancer in Mice
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 CNIO, Focusing on Ras-Driven Cancers
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 KRAS oncogene in human cancer
Dr. Mariano Barbacid identifies the KRAS oncogene in human cancer, a foundational discovery for understanding cancer's genetic basis, including pancreatic cancer.