This breakthrough represents a turning point in precision oncology for this disease, which until now has had a very unfavorable prognosis. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive tumors with a low survival rate, even in early stages, and most cases are diagnosed in advanced phases.
The drug acts as an inhibitor of the KRAS genetic mutation, present in over 90% of pancreatic tumors, an alteration that was previously difficult to treat. Patients who participated in the study had already exhausted conventional chemotherapy options without success.
“"This is what we have been waiting for many years, and there are other drugs in development. This is just the first step because second-generation drugs will arrive to reverse resistance and try to ensure that patients who do not respond initially will do so with others. This was unthinkable until now."
With the administration of daraxonrasib, the average survival of patients was over 13 months, a year longer than expected at the time of diagnosis. In addition to extending life, the medication contributes to a better quality of life compared to current chemotherapies, which have significant side effects.
Catalan research plays a prominent role in these international studies, allowing patients to access new treatments much earlier than they are funded by public health systems. Currently, new studies are being opened to evaluate the drug as a first-line treatment option, in combination with chemotherapy, and to prevent relapses in operated patients.
“"Precision oncology has finally reached pancreatic cancer. Five years ago, this seemed impossible. But we are already seeing this change, and that is why we will continue to investigate."
