Intermountain Health oncologists stated in a report published August 14 that a new targeted therapy for advanced pancreatic cancer could be a game changer for patients facing one of the most difficult-to-treat cancers. The investigational oral drug, daraxonrasib, is designed to target KRAS mutations, which are genetic drivers found in more than 90% of pancreatic cancers.
Clinical trial results showed that the drug nearly doubled median survival for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer, increasing survival from 6.7 months to 13.2 months. Mark Lewis, MD, director of gastrointestinal oncology at Intermountain Health, described the development as a paradigm shift in pancreatic cancer treatment.
Ten Intermountain Health hospitals across Utah, Colorado, and Montana are participating in a national Expanded Access Protocol. This protocol allows eligible patients with advanced pancreatic cancer to receive daraxonrasib before the drug receives broader commercial availability. Participating facilities include Intermountain Alta View Hospital in Sandy, Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Intermountain Layton Hospital in Layton, Intermountain LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, and Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital in St. George. Other participating locations include hospitals in Wheat Ridge, Denver, Grand Junction, and Billings.
Revolution Medicines submitted a new drug application to the FDA on July 22, with approval potentially arriving in the coming months. Currently, eligible patients must be approved through the protocol and monitored by an oncologist. Intermountain Health officials noted that nine patients within the system are already in the queue to receive the medication.
Pancreatic cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 67,000 Americans are diagnosed with the disease each year, and more than 52,000 die from it annually. Unlike traditional treatments that often require intravenous chemotherapy every two weeks, daraxonrasib is a daily pill that targets the specific mutation driving the cancer.
While the drug is not a cure and can cause side effects such as diarrhea, mouth sores, and a rash, doctors noted it may minimize time toxicity and provide more options for patients. Alicia Swink, MD, regional oncology senior medical director for Intermountain Health, said such advancements provide real hope to patients.
