Drug Trio Found to Block Tumour Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer, Study Finds

Drug Trio Found to Block Tumour Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer, Study Finds

A new scientific study has revealed a promising triple-drug treatment that can completely shrink pancreatic tumours and stop them from coming back — at least in preclinical models. The breakthrough offers new hope against one of the deadliest and most treatment-resistant cancers.

Researchers from the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) say the drug combination targets pancreatic cancer from multiple angles, preventing tumours from adapting and becoming resistant to treatment.

Why Pancreatic Cancer Is So Hard to Treat

Pancreatic cancer, especially pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), is known for its poor survival rates. It is often diagnosed late and does not respond well to standard therapies.

Key challenges include:

• Rapid tumour growth

• Strong resistance to targeted drugs

• Very limited long-term treatment options

• High relapse rates after initial therapy

Because of this, researchers have been searching for new strategies that attack cancer cells more effectively.

A Triple-Targeted Treatment Strategy

The new study focuses on blocking three critical signalling pathways that pancreatic tumours rely on to survive and grow.

Instead of targeting just one pathway, the researchers used a triple inhibition approach, making it much harder for cancer cells to escape treatment.

The Three Drug Targets

The treatment simultaneously blocks:

• KRAS signalling – a major driver of pancreatic cancer

• EGFR family receptors – involved in tumour growth and survival

• STAT3 signalling – a key pathway linked to cancer resistance

According to the researchers, hitting all three pathways at once prevents tumours from finding alternative survival routes.

The Three Drugs Used in the Combination

The triple therapy includes the following drugs:

• RMC-6236 (Daraxonrasib) – targets KRAS-driven signalling

• Afatinib – blocks EGFR family receptors

• SD36 – selectively degrades STAT3 protein

Together, these drugs form a powerful combination designed to shut down cancer growth completely.

Complete Tumour Regression in Preclinical Models

The therapy was tested in orthotopic mouse models, where tumour cells are implanted into the pancreas to closely mimic real human cancer conditions.

Key Results from the Study

• Tumours showed complete regression

• Tumour growth was fully stopped

• No signs of treatment resistance were seen

• Results lasted for more than 200 days after treatment

• The therapy was well tolerated by the animals

The researchers described the results as complete and permanent tumour regression in these models.

Broad Effectiveness Across Multiple Cancer Models

The research team expanded their testing beyond basic models.

The drug combination also worked in:

• Genetically engineered mouse tumours

• Patient-derived tumour xenografts (PDX), using real human cancer tissue grown in mice

This suggests the treatment may be effective across different forms of pancreatic cancer, not just one specific model.

Tackling the Biggest Problem: Treatment Resistance

One of the most important findings is that the therapy prevented tumour resistance, a major issue in current cancer treatments.

Scientists involved in the research explained:

“Overcoming therapeutic resistance in pancreatic cancer requires coordinated inhibition of KRAS downstream, upstream and parallel survival pathways.”

By blocking multiple pathways at the same time, cancer cells struggle to adapt or recover.

What This Means for Future Patients

Although the treatment has not yet been tested in humans, the results represent a major step forward in pancreatic cancer research.

Potential Clinical Impact

• Opens the door to new clinical trials

• Supports multi-targeted treatment strategies

• May improve long-term survival outcomes

• Offers hope against relapse and resistance

The researchers believe these findings should guide future clinical development for patients with PDAC.

Expert Outlook

The study authors concluded:

“These results should guide the development of new clinical trials that may benefit pancreatic cancer patients.”

While human trials are still needed, the study provides strong evidence that combination therapies may be the key to treating resistant cancers.

Sources & References

• Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO)

• Peer-reviewed preclinical oncology research

• Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) signalling studies

• KRAS, EGFR and STAT3 cancer pathway research

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