Pancreatic cancer treatment is beginning to shift from traditional chemotherapy to a more personalized approach, according to a new review. Although survival rates remain low, recent advances targeting genetic mutations and the tumor environment are starting to improve outcomes.
For most patients, combination chemotherapy is still the standard treatment. Regimens like FOLFIRINOX or NALIRIFOX are commonly used for advanced disease, while surgery followed by chemotherapy remains the best option for early-stage cases. However, researchers are now focusing on tailoring treatments based on each patient’s tumor biology.
A major breakthrough involves targeting KRAS mutations, which drive about 95% of pancreatic cancers. New drugs aimed at specific KRAS subtypes and broader “pan-RAS” inhibitors are showing encouraging early results. In addition, around 10% of patients can benefit from targeted therapies based on biomarkers such as BRCA mutations or MSI status.
Immunotherapy, vaccines, and novel approaches like antibody-drug conjugates are also being explored to overcome the tumor’s strong immune resistance. Experts believe that with tools like liquid biopsies and molecular profiling, pancreatic cancer care could become highly individualized within the next few years.