Overview
- Researchers spotlighted a KRAS‑targeting pill and a bespoke mRNA vaccine at the American Association for Cancer Research meeting in San Diego in April.
- Darxonrasib, developed by Revolution Medicines, blocks the KRAS protein that drives tumor growth and, with chemotherapy, raised median survival to 13.2 months from 6.7 months in a phase 3 trial.
- The FDA granted the pill fast‑track review, and investigators flagged skin rash as the most notable side effect reported so far.
- An mRNA vaccine from BioNTech and Genentech, tested in 16 people after surgery, moved into phase 2 after immune responders showed far longer survival, with seven of eight alive up to six years.
- Pancreatic cancer outcomes remain poor, so larger, randomized studies and full data releases will show whether these targeted and immune strategies improve life expectancy and daily functioning.