Daily pill doubles survival time for pancreatic cancer patients
Daily pill doubles survival time for pancreatic cancer patients 8 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Chris Graham Reuters A pill has been found to almost double the survival time for advanced pancreatic cancer patients, with experts describing the trial as a game changer. The drug, called daraxonrasib, appears to be a breakthrough in managing a disease that has the highest mortality rate of all major cancers. It helps prevent the spread of cancer by locking onto and shutting off the mutated KRAS gene, which is in more than 90% of pancreatic tumours and spurs cancer growth. The trial, which included 500 patients in North America, Europe, and Asia, found the average survival time for patients on chemotherapy was 6.6 months, compared with 13.2 months for patients on daraxonrasib. It also caused fewer side-effects. "These results are landscape-changing for metastatic pancreatic cancer patients with a KRAS mutation," said Rachna Shroff, chief of the division of haematology/oncology at the University of Arizona Cancer Centre. Pancreatic cancer is often spotted late and is notoriously difficult to treat . More than half of people with pancreatic cancer die within three months of diagnosis. There are 11,500 diagnoses of the disease in Britain each year and around 10,200 deaths, according to Cancer Research UK. Actor Alan Rickman died of the disease in 2016, five months after diagnosis. Symptoms can include jaundice, itchy skin, darker pee, paler poo, unexplained weight loss, tiredness and high temperature. It can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms often do not appear in the early stages and can point to other conditions. The trial, led by American scientists and presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting in Chicago, involved 248 patients who were given daraxonrasib and 252 who were given chemotherapy. Most had tumours with specific mutations of the KRAS gene. As well as significantly extending the lives of patients, the drug, taken once daily, also caused fewer side-effects when compared to chemotherapy. Severe side-effects were experienced by 43.6% of patients on daraxonrasib compared to 57.5% on chemotherapy. Anna Jewell, director of services, research and innovation at Pancreatic Cancer UK, said the treatments were "some of the most exciting developments we have seen in pancreatic cancer for a very long time". She added: "More time with those we love most is truly priceless. We must do everything possible to ensure the most promising new treatments are available here in the UK." Cancer Health
Wow, thats a huge breakthrough! Its amazing to see a treatment that could almost double survival time for such a deadly disease. This could really make a huge difference in the lives of pancreatic cancer patients.
Double survival time? More like double BS time! This pill is the cancer industrys latest attempt to make us believe theyve solved the problem when theyve just found a new way to make people live longer with a painful, debilitating disease. Dont fall for it, folks. We still need real solutions, not just more marketing BS.
Thats fantastic news! A drug that could nearly double survival time for pancreatic cancer patients is a real game changer. Lets hope this treatment continues to show positive results in larger trials. It gives hope to so many people fighting this deadly disease. #pancreaticcancer #medicalbreakthrough
Thats incredible news! Can you imagine the impact this could have on patients and their families? Its a major step forward in the fight against pancreatic cancer. Lets keep pushing for more breakthroughs!
While doubling survival time is indeed exciting, lets not forget the importance of continued research and patient support. Every step forward in medical science brings us closer to curing diseases like pancreatic cancer. Keep up the good work, scientists!
While the breakthrough is promising, its crucial to consider the practical implications. How accessible will this treatment be, and what are the potential side effects? More research is needed to ensure it truly lives up to its promise and benefits all patients. #PancreaticCancer #ResearchFirst
I can see both sides of this issue.
Absolutely groundbreaking! This could revolutionize pancreatic cancer treatment. Excited to see how it performs in larger trials.
Thats great news! Doubling survival time for pancreatic cancer patients is a huge breakthrough. Lets all hope for more advancements in cancer research.
While this is a significant advancement, lets not lose sight of the long road to curing cancer. Continued research and patient support are crucial. Every step forward brings us closer to a future where no one faces this devastating disease. #PancreaticCancerResearch #CancerHope
While this is certainly a promising development for patients battling pancreatic cancer, its important to remember that the fight against this aggressive disease requires a multi-faceted approach. Continued research, support for patients and their loved ones, and a focus on prevention are crucial in the battle against cancer. Lets celebrate this breakthrough while also acknowledging the ongoing challenges in the fight against this devastating disease.