New Treatment Shows Promise for Pancreatic Cancer
Posted in Press Releases
A new treatment is offering hope for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, a disease where treatment options have historically been limited.
Daroxonrasib is an investigational oral therapy that targets RAS, a protein that plays a key role in the growth of most pancreatic cancers. In a recent Phase 3 clinical trial, daraxonrasib nearly doubled median overall survival compared with standard chemotherapy for patients with previously treated metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Oregon Oncology Specialists is currently enrolling eligible patients in the FDA-permitted Expanded Access Program for daraxonrasib. The FDA gave the national program the green light on May 1st, and our research team moved quickly to complete the regulatory, clinical and operational work needed to make the treatment available through our practice. In just eight weeks, our first patient had begun treatment.
Advancing pancreatic cancer treatment
Researchers have spent decades working to effectively target RAS, which has long been considered one of the most challenging drivers of cancer to treat.
Daraxonrasib is a RAS(ON) inhibitor, designed to block RAS proteins while they are active and interfere with the signals that allow cancer cells to grow.
“For decades, advanced pancreatic cancer has been one of the hardest diagnoses to treat, but daraxonrasib is beginning to change that story by nearly doubling survival times for patients in clinical trials. By directly blocking the specific genetic mutation that drives nine out of ten pancreatic tumors, this pill offers families a powerful new wave of hope and a much more effective weapon than standard chemotherapy.”
John Strother, M.D.
Expanding access for patients
Expanded access provides a way for patients with serious or life-threatening illnesses to receive an investigational treatment outside of a clinical trial when certain criteria are met. Daraxonrasib remains investigational and has not yet received FDA approval, but the Expanded Access Program provides a pathway for eligible patients to receive the treatment before potential commercial availability.
Getting a program like this up and running takes significant coordination. Establishing access to daraxonrasib in just eight weeks reflects our research team’s commitment to bringing advances in cancer treatment to patients as quickly and responsibly as possible.
“Having a strong research program allows us to give patients access to cutting-edge treatments like daraxonrasib, even before they are widely available. For patients with limited treatment options, that early access can be incredibly meaningful.”
Bud Pierce, M.D.
The daraxonrasib Expanded Access Program for metastatic pancreatic cancer is intended for adults who have previously received treatment, have no comparable or satisfactory alternative therapy and are unable to participate in an ongoing daraxonrasib clinical trial. Additional clinical criteria apply.
Oregon Oncology Specialists is currently enrolling eligible patients. For patients and families facing metastatic pancreatic cancer, understanding what options may be available is an important part of navigating care. Patients who would like to learn more about daraxonrasib and whether they may qualify are encouraged to talk with their provider.
About Oregon Oncology Specialists
Oregon Oncology Specialists is a physician-owned oncology practice serving the Willamette Valley and surrounding communities. For more than 40 years, our physicians and care teams have provided advanced, personalized cancer care close to home. Oregon Oncology Specialists is part of Oregon Specialty Group, a physician-owned multispecialty medical group.