A study co-led by the University of California, Los Angeles found that patients with previously treated metastatic pancreatic cancer who received daraxonrasib, an investigational oral drug, lived a median of 13.2 months compared to 6.7 months for those receiving chemotherapy, according to results published on June 1.
The international trial involved 500 patients from 60 clinical sites across six countries whose disease had progressed after one prior treatment. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either daraxonrasib once daily or standard chemotherapy selected by their doctor. About 92% of enrolled patients had RAS G12 mutations with or without an identified tumor RAS mutation.
Dr. Zev Wainberg, professor of medicine and investigator at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and co-first author of the study, said, “For years we’ve made incremental gains in treating pancreatic cancer. Now, for the first time, we have demonstrated that targeted inhibition of RAS using an oral inhibitor is changing the landscape of this terrible disease. Seeing this magnitude of benefit in a randomized phase 3 study is very encouraging for all patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and is a paradigm shift in this deadly disease.”
Patients treated with daraxonrasib experienced significantly longer disease control; median progression-free survival was 7.2 months compared to 3.6 months for chemotherapy in the intent-to-treat population. Tumor shrinkage occurred more frequently among those receiving daraxonrasib—approximately 33% versus about 11% in the chemotherapy group—and these patients also reported slower worsening of pain and better preservation of quality of life over time.
The researchers observed less frequent adverse side effects among participants taking daraxonrasib than those on chemotherapy. Common side effects included rash, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and mouth sores that required monitoring and supportive treatments.
The University of California, Los Angeles has been associated with Nobel laureates and MacArthur Fellows and fosters diverse perspectives through its academic programs on a campus supporting research activities within the University of California system, according to the official website.
