New breakthrough treatment for pancreatic cancer

What You Need to Know

By Erin Post 

A new therapy that targets RAS mutations present in more than 90% of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma — the most common type of pancreatic cancer — approximately doubles overall survival according to clinical trial results announced today.

Revolution Medicines shared Phase III clinical trial results for a pill called daraxonrasib in patients with previously treated metastatic pancreatic cancer. For decades, RAS was considered “undruggable,” meaning that there was no effective way to target RAS. These results greatly expand the potential benefit of targeted therapies for patients with pancreatic cancer.

“We are standing at the threshold of groundbreaking treatments for patients with pancreatic cancer,” said PanCAN Chief Scientific and Medical Officer Anna Berkenblit, M.D., MMSc. “Today’s announcement represents a real opportunity to bring new hope for people facing this disease: hope for more time with family, hope for better quality of life and hope that ongoing and future research may ultimately lead to a cure.”

Next, Revolution Medicines will need to take their data to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If the FDA grants approval for daraxonrasib, it will be made available as a treatment for patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma who have been previously treated.

Revolution Medicines, a clinical oncology company, announced positive results from its Phase III clinical trial comparing their once-daily pill daraxonrasib with the current standard of care chemotherapy in patients with previously treated pancreatic adenocarcinoma that has spread beyond the pancreas (metastatic). It was a global, randomized trial, meaning that patients from more than 60 locations around the world were randomly assigned to one of these two treatment groups.

According to a press release from the company, daraxonrasib demonstrated a median overall survival of 13.2 months versus 6.7 months for chemotherapy. Overall survival measures the length of time from when treatment begins until death from any cause.

What are the side effects?

In their press release, Revolution Medicines states that “Daraxonrasib was generally well tolerated, with a manageable safety profile and with no new safety signals.” Prior studies with daraxonrasib have shown that rash is the most common side effect, with mouth sores, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting also common.

Let’s talk more about RAS mutations. What are they and why have they been a focus for researchers studying treatments for pancreatic cancer?

RAS mutations are changes in the RAS family of genes, which regulate cell growth and division. Mutations in RAS can cause cancer cells to grow uncontrollably, leading to cancer. RAS mutations, particularly in the KRAS gene, are found in over 90% of pancreatic cancer cases. Mutations in KRAS can “switch on” signals for constant cell growth, driving tumor formation and progression. These mutations are typically somatic mutations, meaning they occur in tumor cells during a person’s lifetime and are not passed down genetically. Identifying a KRAS mutation can guide treatment strategies and eligibility for clinical trials. It is one of the most studied genetic drivers in pancreatic cancer. KRAS inhibitors like daraxonrasib work by stopping the activity of RAS proteins, blocking signaling pathways that promote growth.

What’s the next step for this treatment?

Additional data from this trial is expected to be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in late May 2026. Revolution Medicines has announced their intent to take their data to the U.S. FDA for approval. The treatment has been granted a special status: daraxonrasib was selected for the FDA Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher pilot program, which is intended to accelerate the review of therapies aligned with U.S. national health priorities.

I am a patient with pancreatic cancer interested in this treatment. What should I do?

The RASolute 302 clinical trial has closed and is no longer enrolling patients. At this time, Revolution Medicines does not have a program for expanded access/compassionate use. Daraxonrasib is being studied in additional clinical trials in other patient populations. Trials of other investigational therapies targeting RAS in pancreatic cancer are ongoing.

Biomarker testing of a patient’s tumor tissue is the first step to determining eligibility for these trials and to help find the best treatment options. Patients can learn whether they have a KRAS mutation through biomarker testing. Biomarker testing will also tell patients the specific KRAS mutation present.

Patient Services Case Managers can answer questions about biomarker testing and provide resources to enroll. Many major cancer centers offer biomarker testing. Also, our Know Your Tumor program provides free biomarker testing for eligible patients. Contact PanCAN Patient Services to learn more.