An experimental oral drug called daraxonrasib has shown a significant survival benefit in a phase 3 trial involving people with advanced pancreatic cancer who had previously received chemotherapy. The findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting, add to ongoing research into targeted treatments for a disease with limited options.
In the RASolute 302 trial, researchers evaluated daraxonrasib in patients with solid tumors carrying activating RAS mutations, which are found in most pancreatic cancers. Among 168 participants previously treated with chemotherapy, median overall survival was 13 months for those receiving daraxonrasib compared with 6 months for those receiving standard chemotherapy. Researchers reported a 60% reduction in the risk of death. Tumor shrinkage or disappearance occurred in about 31% of participants taking the drug, compared with 11% in the chemotherapy group.
Daraxonrasib is designed to inhibit active RAS signaling, a pathway that can drive cancer growth. In participants with a specific RAS mutation known as G12, disease control lasted a median of about 7 months, versus about 3 months with chemotherapy. The manufacturer, Revolution Medicines, described the results as potentially transformative. Outside experts also characterized the data as promising, while noting that cost and insurance coverage may affect access if the drug is approved.
Side effects were common, occurring in 96% of participants at doses of 300 milligrams or lower. Reported effects included rash, diarrhea, nausea, mouth inflammation, vomiting and fatigue. About one-third of participants had side effects rated grade 3 or higher.
Pancreatic cancer remains difficult to detect and treat. The American Cancer Society estimates 68,000 new U.S. cases and 53,000 deaths this year. Because symptoms often appear late, experts continue to emphasize earlier diagnosis, risk reduction and further study alongside new treatment development for affected patients nationwide.