Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC) is one of the most RAS-mutated cancers, with approximately 90% of cases are due to mutations in the KRAS gene.
So, what is RAS gene ?
RAS gene family consists of - KRAS, HRAS and NRAS.
- RAS gene encodes small GTPase proteins that act as molecular switches, regulating important cellular functions. RAS genes regulate cellular processes such as cell growth, division and survival, by cycling between an active(turned on ) and inactive(turned off).
- However, mutations in RAS genes particularly KRAS can lock these proteins in an active state, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer development.
Given the critical role of KRAS in pancreatic cancer, researchers have been investigating therapies that directly target the RAS pathway.
A recent phase 3 international randomized clinical trial compared daraxonrasib with standard chemotherapy in 500 patients with previously treated metastatic pancreatic cancer.
The study results showed that :
- Daraxonrasib nearly double median overall median survival rate compared with standard chemotherapy.
- Progression-free survival was also significantly improved.
- Treatment discontinuation due to treatment-related adverse effects occurred in 1.2% of the patients receiving daraxonrasib and 11.2% of those in the chemotherapy group.
- Although Adverse effects were observed in both groups, severe adverse effects were less frequent in patients receiving daraxonrasib.
These findings have brought new hope to patients and healthcare professionals in the management of metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Do you think targeting KRAS could become the future standard approach for pancreatic cancer treatment?
MBH/PS