Experimental Drug Shows Promise for Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Patients with advanced pancreatic cancer prefer experimental treatments over chemotherapy. Dr. Zev Wainberg from UCLA Health has been overseeing a clinical trial for a new drug, daraxonrasib, with notable results. Participants had prior chemotherapy that was ineffective. Wainberg pointed out, “Statistically, I knew only half of them get the pill, and we don’t get to choose.” Many patients placed on chemotherapy have since passed away.
Daraxonrasib has generated tremendous excitement, particularly after a phase 3 trial involving 500 patients revealed that it doubled the average survival time for those with advanced pancreatic cancer to 13.2 months, from 6.7 months for those undergoing chemotherapy. These results were highlighted by Wainberg and his colleagues at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting. The study was simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Dr. Rachna Shroff, from the University of Arizona Cancer Center, expressed her elation, calling the development unprecedented for pancreatic cancer treatment. This enthusiasm extends to other cancer types, as daraxonrasib targets a mutation in the KRAS gene associated with various cancers.
Dr. Brian Wolpin of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, involved in the research, said, “Pancreas cancer may be the first for this drug, but there will be others.” The FDA has fast-tracked the drug for pancreatic cancer, allowing Revolution Medicines to offer it in an expanded access program.
Dr. Mark Goldsmith, CEO of Revolution Medicines, stated that their team is working tirelessly to prepare for FDA approval. Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed late, making surgery nonviable. With current therapies offering limited benefits, daraxonrasib presents a new hope. According to the American Cancer Society, only 3% of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer live beyond five years.
Debby Orcutt, diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, experienced significant tumor reduction on daraxonrasib. She reported feeling well every day and remains optimistic about her health. Both Dr. Sameek Roychowdhury and Dr. Shroff eagerly anticipate the drug’s availability for their patients.
Understanding Daraxonrasib’s Mechanism
Daraxonrasib specifically targets the KRAS gene mutation, present in over 90% of pancreatic cancers. This mutation allows cancer cells to grow uncontrollably. Wolpin explained, “It has been incredibly hard to drug that mutation.” The drug works by pairing with cyclophilin A, creating a bond to block the mutated protein.
Draxonrasib appears effective beyond the KRAS mutation, improving overall survival for all treated patients. Wolpin emphasized its potential to reduce chemotherapy use, which is currently the recommended treatment. Research is ongoing to evaluate if daraxonrasib should be the initial treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer.
Compared to chemotherapy, daraxonrasib has fewer toxic side effects. Some patients reported vomiting, diarrhea, and skin reactions. For Orcutt, side effects were minor compared to chemotherapy.
Both Debby and her husband, Ron Orcutt, manage her medication regimen carefully, ensuring she takes it correctly. Despite health challenges, she remains active, believing in making the most of each day. “I feel like I’ve been given a second chance,” she said, reflecting her positive outlook on life.