New KRAS-Targeted Drug Shows Real Promise for Pancreatic Cancer Patients
A new drug called daraxonrasib targets KRAS mutations found in over 90% of pancreatic cancers, showing a 47% response rate and 83% six-month overall survival in an early clinical trial.
A Long-Standing Problem, Finally Getting an Answer
Pancreatic cancer is one of the hardest cancers to treat. The five-year survival rate sits below 12%, and for decades, toxic chemotherapy was essentially the only option. That may be changing. Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) have published early results for a new drug that directly targets the genetic mutation driving most pancreatic cancers.
What Is KRAS?
KRAS is a gene that acts like an on/off switch for cell growth. In healthy cells, it turns the "grow" signal on when needed and off when done. When KRAS is mutated, that switch gets stuck in the "always on" position — cells keep dividing uncontrollably, and cancer grows.
More than 90% of pancreatic cancers carry a KRAS mutation. For a long time, scientists believed KRAS was "undruggable." Recent breakthroughs have proved otherwise.
Daraxonrasib: A New Kind of Blocker
MSK pancreatic cancer specialist Dr. Eileen O'Reilly led a phase 1/2 clinical trial testing daraxonrasib, a drug that works as a pan-RAS inhibitor. Rather than targeting just one KRAS mutation variant, it blocks multiple variants at once — G12D, G12V, G12R, Q61X, and others — giving it a much broader reach than earlier KRAS drugs.
Trial Results at a Glance
The trial enrolled 38 patients with previously untreated pancreatic cancer:
| Measure | Result | |---------|--------| | Response rate (tumor shrinkage) | 47% | | Progression-free survival at 6 months | 71% | | Overall survival at 6 months | 83% |
These numbers compare favorably with standard chemotherapy regimens.
A Pill, Not an IV Drip
One of the most meaningful differences for patients: daraxonrasib is taken as a daily oral pill, not an intravenous infusion at a clinic. Side effects were also fewer and more manageable than typical chemotherapy.
As Dr. O'Reilly put it:
"Patients are having more good days and spending less time in clinic."
The ability to treat at home with a daily pill — rather than traveling to an infusion center — can make a significant difference in quality of life, especially for patients already dealing with a tough diagnosis.
FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation
The FDA has granted daraxonrasib Breakthrough Therapy designation. This status is reserved for drugs that show substantially better results than existing treatments and allows for an accelerated development and review process.
What Comes Next
A larger phase 3 trial (RASolute 302) is now underway, directly comparing daraxonrasib against standard chemotherapy. MSK researchers are also exploring combination strategies — pairing pan-RAS inhibitors with KRAS degraders (drugs that break down the KRAS protein entirely) and other targeted agents — to push outcomes even further.
Key Takeaways
- Over 90% of pancreatic cancers are driven by KRAS mutations
- Daraxonrasib is a pan-RAS inhibitor that blocks multiple KRAS mutation types at once
- Early trial: 47% response rate, 83% overall survival at 6 months
- Taken as a daily pill — fewer clinic visits, fewer side effects
- FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation secured
- Phase 3 trial (RASolute 302) underway to confirm results
Source
Bill Piersol. New KRAS Targeted Therapy Shows Promise Against Pancreatic Cancer. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. April 21, 2026.
https://www.mskcc.org/news/new-kras-targeted-therapy-shows-promise-against-pancreatic
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and summarizes published research. It is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider about any treatment decisions.
The My Chemo Diary team works to provide reliable, patient-centered information for people with cancer and their caregivers.
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