New early-stage trial results suggest that daraxonrasib (RMC-6236), a new targeted drug, may improve outcomes for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer who have not yet received treatment.
In two Phase 1/2 studies, daraxonrasib showed strong anti-tumor activity both alone and when combined with chemotherapy. Response rates reached 47% with the drug alone and 58% when combined with standard chemotherapy, higher than typical first-line results. Survival at six months was also encouraging, reaching up to 90% in the combination group, compared to historical rates of 55% to 76%.
The drug works by blocking KRAS, a key cancer-driving protein found in most pancreatic cancers. Unlike older treatments, it targets a wide range of KRAS mutations.
Side effects such as rash, diarrhea, and nausea were generally manageable, and adding chemotherapy did not create unexpected safety issues.
Experts say the results are promising but still early. A large Phase 3 trial is now planned to confirm whether daraxonrasib could become a new standard treatment option.