The group led by Barbacid at CNIO completely eliminates pancreatic tumours in mice
Scientists at Spain’s National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) have reported a major breakthrough in the fight against pancreatic cancer, demonstrating for the first time that a novel triple-drug therapy can completely eliminate pancreatic tumours in mice without any evidence of resistance developing. The research led by Dr Mariano Barbacid, head of CNIO’s Experimental Oncology Group, was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and has drawn international attention for its potential implications.
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common and aggressive form of pancreatic cancer, has historically been extremely difficult to treat. Traditional drugs targeting the KRAS oncogene, which is mutated in about 90 percent of PDAC cases, often lose effectiveness within months because the tumour adapts and becomes resistant. Barbacid’s team took a different approach by simultaneously blocking three critical points in the KRAS signalling pathway, making it far harder for tumours to evade treatment.
In laboratory tests using three different mouse models of PDAC, the combination therapy caused tumours to shrink dramatically and ultimately disappear completely. The mice showed no significant side effects, and crucially, the tumours did not return or develop resistance even after prolonged observation. The strategy uses a blend of an experimental KRAS inhibitor, a drug already approved for certain other cancers, and a novel protein degrader, together creating a robust blockade against tumour survival mechanisms.
Researchers consider these results a landmark in preclinical cancer research because stopping resistance has been one of the biggest obstacles in treating pancreatic cancer. Barbacid himself noted that while the results are unprecedented and highly encouraging, they do not mean that a cure for patients is imminent. Extensive work remains to optimise and adapt the therapy for human clinical trials, a process that will take significant time, safety testing, and regulatory approval.
The findings offer fresh hope in combating one of the deadliest cancers, which currently has a five-year survival rate of less than ten percent in humans. Should similar success be achieved in humans, this combined therapy could drastically change the outlook for pancreatic cancer patients worldwide.
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