In a historic milestone for oncology, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted expedited approval to daraxonrasib (marketed as Rasonque by Revolution Medicines), marking the first-ever approved targeted therapy to successfully tackle the "undruggable" RAS protein mutations that drive over 90% of pancreatic cancers.  


FDA approves new pill that nearly doubles pancreatic cancer survival time

In a clinical trial, researchers found that a drug called Daraxonrasib doubled the survival time in patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. This is significant as more than half of people with pancreatic cancer die within three months of diagnosis. Amid this, a report projected a shortfall of 100 million cancer care workers by 2050.


New Pill Can Double Life Expectancy in Pancreatic Cancer Patients, Study Finds

Medical experts have found in a clinical trial that a smart drug called daraxonrasib can double survival time in patients with pancreatic cancer, the deadliest cancer in the world. They noted that it is a “game-changer” and one of the biggest breakthroughs in decades, which can pave the way for a treatment revolution. A clinical trial involving 500 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer that had already spread found that an experimental pill doubled survival time while causing fewer side effects compared with chemotherapy. The results were unveiled at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago. According to the study, patients who received the new drug survived for an average of 13.2 months, nearly twice as long as those treated with chemotherapy, whose average survival ranged between 6.6 and 6.7 months. “These results are landscape-changing,” said Dr Rachna Shroff, the chief of oncology at the University of Arizona Cancer Center and an ASCO expert in gastrointestinal cancers, who was not part of the study. “We are seeing unprecedented survival.” Reflecting on the findings, Shroff said she became emotional when she first reviewed the results of the trial, which was conducted by researchers at the renowned Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Having spent 16 years treating pancreatic cancer patients, she said the breakthrough moved her to tears, describing the study as exceptionally meaningful and praising the investigators for their work. Dr Julie Gralow, ASCO’s chief medical officer and executive vice-president, who was also not part of the clinical trial, stated that it was a “game-changer”. She added, “I’ve heard this study described as a home run. I would actually say it’s a grand slam.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/florida-mosquito-district-first-to-use-drone-to-release-sterile-mosquitoes-against-invasive-pests-1780311128919">Florida mosquito district first to use drone to release sterile mosquitoes against invasive pests</a><h3>How does Daraxonrasib act against cancer?</h3>Daraxonrasib targets KRAS, a protein that drives the growth of almost all pancreatic cancers. The drug works by binding molecules together to latch onto and deactivate KRAS. This protein belongs to the RAS gene family, which can cause cancer cells to continuously receive signals to grow and multiply, even when they should stop, allowing tumours to develop and spread. More than 90 per cent of patients with the most common type of pancreatic cancer, metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC), carry a mutation in the KRAS gene known as a RAS G12 variant. This mutation results in an overactive KRAS protein that fuels cancer progression. Daraxonrasib is a next-generation RAS(On) multi-selective inhibitor. Unlike earlier treatments that target only specific KRAS mutations, it can switch off the KRAS protein across multiple variants, and even in cases where no specific KRAS variant is present, helping to halt cancer growth. “The idea of targeting Kras has always been the holy grail in most malignancies, but specifically in pancreas cancer, because it is nearly ubiquitous and it is an early driver of pancreas cancer growth,” said Shroff. “The Ras revolution is here, and this study is proof of principle that targeting Kras in pancreatic cancer is feasible and effective.” Paula Hanford, the chief executive of UK-based Pancreatic Cancer Action, stated that the finding was one of the most significant developments in treatment that has ever been witnessed. “For far too long, people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have had incredibly limited treatment options and survival rates that have remained devastatingly low. To see a trial showing the potential to nearly double survival time in advanced pancreatic cancer is hugely encouraging and gives real hope to patients and families facing this disease.”&nbsp;

Paula Hanford, the chief executive of UK-based Pancreatic Cancer Action, stated that the finding was one of the most significant developments in treatment that has ever been witnessed. 

Medical experts have found in a clinical trial that a smart drug called daraxonrasib can double survival time in patients with pancreatic cancer, the deadliest cancer in the world. They noted that it is a “game-changer” and one of the biggest breakthroughs in decades, which can pave the way for a treatment revolution. A clinical trial involving 500 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer that had already spread found that an experimental pill doubled survival time while causing fewer side effects compared with chemotherapy. The results were unveiled at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago. According to the study, patients who received the new drug survived for an average of 13.2 months, nearly twice as long as those treated with chemotherapy, whose average survival ranged between 6.6 and 6.7 months. “These results are landscape-changing,” said Dr Rachna Shroff, the chief of oncology at the University of Arizona Cancer Center and an ASCO expert in gastrointestinal cancers, who was not part of the study. “We are seeing unprecedented survival.” Reflecting on the findings, Shroff said she became emotional when she first reviewed the results of the trial, which was conducted by researchers at the renowned Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Having spent 16 years treating pancreatic cancer patients, she said the breakthrough moved her to tears, describing the study as exceptionally meaningful and praising the investigators for their work. Dr Julie Gralow, ASCO’s chief medical officer and executive vice-president, who was also not part of the clinical trial, stated that it was a “game-changer”. She added, “I’ve heard this study described as a home run. I would actually say it’s a grand slam.” Also read: Florida mosquito district first to use drone to release sterile mosquitoes against invasive pests How does Daraxonrasib act against cancer? Daraxonrasib targets KRAS, a protein that drives the growth of almost all pancreatic cancers. The drug works by binding molecules together to latch onto and deactivate KRAS. This protein belongs to the RAS gene family, which can cause cancer cells to continuously receive signals to grow and multiply, even when they should stop, allowing tumours to develop and spread. More than 90 per cent of patients with the most common type of pancreatic cancer, metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC), carry a mutation in the KRAS gene known as a RAS G12 variant. This mutation results in an overactive KRAS protein that fuels cancer progression. Daraxonrasib is a next-generation RAS(On) multi-selective inhibitor. Unlike earlier treatments that target only specific KRAS mutations, it can switch off the KRAS protein across multiple variants, and even in cases where no specific KRAS variant is present, helping to halt cancer growth. “The idea of targeting Kras has always been the holy grail in most malignancies, but specifically in pancreas cancer, because it is nearly ubiquitous and it is an early driver of pancreas cancer growth,” said Shroff. “The Ras revolution is here, and this study is proof of principle that targeting Kras in pancreatic cancer is feasible and effective.” Paula Hanford, the chief executive of UK-based Pancreatic Cancer Action, stated that the finding was one of the most significant developments in treatment that has ever been witnessed. “For far too long, people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have had incredibly limited treatment options and survival rates that have remained devastatingly low. To see a trial showing the potential to nearly double survival time in advanced pancreatic cancer is hugely encouraging and gives real hope to patients and families facing this disease.”

Paula Hanford, the chief executive of UK-based Pancreatic Cancer Action, stated that the finding was one of the most significant developments in treatment that has ever been witnessed.&nbsp;

'Game-changer': Daily pancreatic cancer pill could nearly doubles survival time, study finds

Drake Hogestyn, the actor who played John Black on Days of Our Lives for 38 years, has passed away. He was just one day shy of his 71st birthday when he died on September 28, 2024, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. 
 
Hogestyn’s family shared the heartbreaking news with fans through a statement posted on Days of Our Lives' social media accounts. 
 
"It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn," the statement read. "He was thrown the curve ball of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination. After putting up an unbelievable fight, he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones." 
 
The statement continued, "He was the most amazing husband, father, papa and actor. He loved performing for the ‘Days’ audience and sharing the stage with the greatest cast, crew, and production team in the business. We love him and we will miss him all the Days of our Lives.” 
 
Meanwhile, Days of Our Lives executive producer Ken Corday told People, "This is a very difficult one for all of us. Hogey was the ultimate team player and there are not sufficient words to express how deeply he will be missed. His impact on our show, personally and professionally, was profound and will forever remain unmatched."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/rebel-wilson-and-ramona-agruma-tie-the-knot-in-sardinia-762944">Rebel Wilson and Ramona Agruma tie the knot in Sardinia</a> 
 
"Drake was an incredible man," Alison Sweeney, who played Sami Brady on the popular show, wrote on Instagram. "He was funny, generous, and thoughtful. He cared about every single scene, every person. He loved Days, the fans, and shared that passion with everyone on set. My heart breaks for his family, they meant everything to him. He was such a huge part of my life at Days. I will miss him terribly and treasure every story, every joke, and every hug." 
 
Kristian Alfonso, who portrayed Hope Brady, posted her own heartfelt tribute, which read, "I’ll always remember you as a loving, loving father, husband, and dear friend, but mostly an incredible, passionate human being, generous and immensely kind, Always …… Thank youuuu for the love you gave us all every day, Drake, on set and off. You were always our hero." 
 
Christopher Sean, who played Paul Narita, John’s illegitimate son on the show, shared an emotional message on X, alongside a photo of John and Paul hugging. "I will always love you," Sean wrote. "You were more than just my TV father; in my eyes, you were my dad. Thank you for everything you taught me and the love you gave me. The world lost a true hero. Miss and love you so much, Drake. Rest in peace, Dad." 
 
Hogestyn was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and initially dreamed of a career as a professional baseball player. He signed with the New York Yankees and played for one of their farm teams before an injury in 1977 derailed his athletic ambitions. Soon after, he turned to acting and found success in the early 1980s with a role in the CBS series Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

Drake Hogestyn, the actor who played John Black on Days of Our Lives for 38 years, has passed away. He was just one day shy of his 71st birthday when he died on September 28, 2024, after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Drake Hogestyn, the actor who played John Black on Days of Our Lives for 38 years, has passed away. He was just one day shy of his 71st birthday when he died on September 28, 2024, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Hogestyn’s family shared the heartbreaking news with fans through a statement posted on Days of Our Lives' social media accounts. "It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn," the statement read. "He was thrown the curve ball of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination. After putting up an unbelievable fight, he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones." The statement continued, "He was the most amazing husband, father, papa and actor. He loved performing for the ‘Days’ audience and sharing the stage with the greatest cast, crew, and production team in the business. We love him and we will miss him all the Days of our Lives.” Meanwhile, Days of Our Lives executive producer Ken Corday told People, "This is a very difficult one for all of us. Hogey was the ultimate team player and there are not sufficient words to express how deeply he will be missed. His impact on our show, personally and professionally, was profound and will forever remain unmatched." Also read: Rebel Wilson and Ramona Agruma tie the knot in Sardinia "Drake was an incredible man," Alison Sweeney, who played Sami Brady on the popular show, wrote on Instagram. "He was funny, generous, and thoughtful. He cared about every single scene, every person. He loved Days, the fans, and shared that passion with everyone on set. My heart breaks for his family, they meant everything to him. He was such a huge part of my life at Days. I will miss him terribly and treasure every story, every joke, and every hug." Kristian Alfonso, who portrayed Hope Brady, posted her own heartfelt tribute, which read, "I’ll always remember you as a loving, loving father, husband, and dear friend, but mostly an incredible, passionate human being, generous and immensely kind, Always …… Thank youuuu for the love you gave us all every day, Drake, on set and off. You were always our hero." Christopher Sean, who played Paul Narita, John’s illegitimate son on the show, shared an emotional message on X, alongside a photo of John and Paul hugging. "I will always love you," Sean wrote. "You were more than just my TV father; in my eyes, you were my dad. Thank you for everything you taught me and the love you gave me. The world lost a true hero. Miss and love you so much, Drake. Rest in peace, Dad." Hogestyn was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and initially dreamed of a career as a professional baseball player. He signed with the New York Yankees and played for one of their farm teams before an injury in 1977 derailed his athletic ambitions. Soon after, he turned to acting and found success in the early 1980s with a role in the CBS series Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

Longtime Days of Our Lives star Drake Hogestyn dies of pancreatic cancer

Researchers from the UK and the US have unlocked critical insights into the aggressive spread of pancreatic cancer. This has offered New Hope for treatments against one of the world's deadliest diseases. Keep watching to know more!

Is the cure for pancreatic cancer near?

Researchers from the UK and the United States have uncovered crucial insights into how pancreatic cancer spreads in the human body. Their work has paved the way for potential new treatments for one of the world's deadliest diseases.

<h2>How pancreatic cancer spreads?</h2>

The team discovered that pancreatic cancer can deactivate molecules in a critical gene due to which the disease spreads at an alarming speed. The development is being deemed as a game-changer in the battle against pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rates among common cancers.

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It ranks as the 12th most common cancer globally, with over half a million new cases each year. The disease is notorious for its poor prognosis, with most patients succumbing within three months of diagnosis.&nbsp;

High-profile victims include Alan Rickman, John Hurt, Steve Jobs, and Patrick Swayze.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-new-method-which-can-destroy-99-of-cancer-cells-eliminate-need-for-invasive-surgeries-674342">Scientists find new method which can destroy 99% of cancer cells, eliminate need for invasive surgeries</a>

Dr. Maria Hatziapostolou from Nottingham Trent University's John van Geest Cancer Research Centre told the Guardian: "This work has provided new understanding and knowledge of how pancreatic cancer behaves. It will hopefully help pave the way for potential new treatments in the future."

<h2>Pancreatic cancer triggers DNA methylation: Research</h2>

The study, published in the journal Gastro Hep Advances, involved the analysis of both healthy and cancerous pancreatic tissue samples.&nbsp;

Researchers identified that pancreatic cancer triggers DNA methylation, a process that switches off molecules in the HNF4A gene. This gene is essential for the proper functioning of many organs, but pancreatic cancer can deactivate its benefits, leading to rapid tumor growth.

Also watch |&nbsp;Obesity fuelling 32 types of cancer: Research

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"Loss of HNF4A drives pancreatic cancer development and aggressiveness and we now know correlates with poor patient survival," Dr Hatziapostolou added.

The project included scientists from the University of Nottingham, Stanford University, the University of California, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles.

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers from the UK and the United States have uncovered crucial insights into how pancreatic cancer spreads in the human body. Their work has paved the way for potential new treatments for one of the world's deadliest diseases.

Researchers from the UK and the United States have uncovered crucial insights into how pancreatic cancer spreads in the human body. Their work has paved the way for potential new treatments for one of the world's deadliest diseases. How pancreatic cancer spreads? The team discovered that pancreatic cancer can deactivate molecules in a critical gene due to which the disease spreads at an alarming speed. The development is being deemed as a game-changer in the battle against pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rates among common cancers. Also read | Indian officials find cancer-causing substance in Golgappa samples It ranks as the 12th most common cancer globally, with over half a million new cases each year. The disease is notorious for its poor prognosis, with most patients succumbing within three months of diagnosis. High-profile victims include Alan Rickman, John Hurt, Steve Jobs, and Patrick Swayze. Also read | Scientists find new method which can destroy 99% of cancer cells, eliminate need for invasive surgeries Dr. Maria Hatziapostolou from Nottingham Trent University's John van Geest Cancer Research Centre told the Guardian: "This work has provided new understanding and knowledge of how pancreatic cancer behaves. It will hopefully help pave the way for potential new treatments in the future." Pancreatic cancer triggers DNA methylation: Research The study, published in the journal Gastro Hep Advances, involved the analysis of both healthy and cancerous pancreatic tissue samples. Researchers identified that pancreatic cancer triggers DNA methylation, a process that switches off molecules in the HNF4A gene. This gene is essential for the proper functioning of many organs, but pancreatic cancer can deactivate its benefits, leading to rapid tumor growth. Also watch | Obesity fuelling 32 types of cancer: Research × "Loss of HNF4A drives pancreatic cancer development and aggressiveness and we now know correlates with poor patient survival," Dr Hatziapostolou added. The project included scientists from the University of Nottingham, Stanford University, the University of California, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists find why pancreatic cancer spreads at alarming speed, discovery may hold key to cure

A Japanese biotech firm has devised a new method that might help detect pancreatic cancer at an early stage.

The technique involves the use of a genetically modified a type of worm called “C. elegans” created by a Japanese firm, Hirotsu Bio Science.

It is well known that bodily fluids of cancer patients smell different to those of healthy people. There have been experiments with dogs who were trained to detect the disease in breath or urine samples. However, the method is time-consuming.

The firm has claimed that their genetically modified worm, which is around one-millimetre-long, has an acute sense of smell and will be able to react to the urine of people with cancer.

With this experiment, the scientists claimed that it was possible to detect cancer early.

“The new test is not meant to diagnose pancreatic cancer, but could help boost routine screening as urine samples can be collected at home without the need for a hospital visit,” Hirotsu said at a press conference on Tuesday.

And if the worms raise the alarm, the patient would then be referred to a doctor for further testing, he said.

"This is a major technological advancement," CEO Takaaki Hirotsu, a former academic who studied the tiny worms known as nematodes, told AFP.

He is hopeful it could help boost cancer detection rates in Japan, which like many countries has seen screening rates drop during the pandemic as people avoided medical visits.

Hirotsu and Osaka University detailed "C. elegans"&nbsp;cancer-detecting skills in a joint study published earlier this year in the peer-reviewed journal "Oncotarget"

In separate tests conducted by the firm, the worms correctly identified all 22 urine samples from pancreatic cancer patients, including people with early stages of the disease.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Japanese biotech firm has devised a new method that might help detect pancreatic cancer at an early stage. The technique involves the use of a genetically modified a type of worm called “C.

A Japanese biotech firm has devised a new method that might help detect pancreatic cancer at an early stage. The technique involves the use of a genetically modified a type of worm called “C. elegans” created by a Japanese firm, Hirotsu Bio Science. It is well known that bodily fluids of cancer patients smell different to those of healthy people. There have been experiments with dogs who were trained to detect the disease in breath or urine samples. However, the method is time-consuming. The firm has claimed that their genetically modified worm, which is around one-millimetre-long, has an acute sense of smell and will be able to react to the urine of people with cancer. With this experiment, the scientists claimed that it was possible to detect cancer early. “The new test is not meant to diagnose pancreatic cancer, but could help boost routine screening as urine samples can be collected at home without the need for a hospital visit,” Hirotsu said at a press conference on Tuesday. And if the worms raise the alarm, the patient would then be referred to a doctor for further testing, he said. "This is a major technological advancement," CEO Takaaki Hirotsu, a former academic who studied the tiny worms known as nematodes, told AFP. He is hopeful it could help boost cancer detection rates in Japan, which like many countries has seen screening rates drop during the pandemic as people avoided medical visits. Hirotsu and Osaka University detailed "C. elegans" cancer-detecting skills in a joint study published earlier this year in the peer-reviewed journal "Oncotarget" In separate tests conducted by the firm, the worms correctly identified all 22 urine samples from pancreatic cancer patients, including people with early stages of the disease. (With inputs from agencies)

Japanese scientists use genetically modified worm to detect cancer

The Goa government has told the Bombay High Court that mere diagnosis of cancer does not mean that Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar was not fit enough to handle the state administration, and cited Apple co-founder Steve Jobs' accomplishments to drive home its point.

State Advocate General Dattaprasad Lawande Wednesday told a division bench of Justices R M Borde and Prithviraj Chavan that the petition seeking bulletin of the chief minister's health was not in good faith as it intends to affect his fundamental rights and the right to his privacy.

Petitioner Trajano D'Mello in his petition filed earlier this month had sought directions to state Chief Secretary Dharmendra Sharma to evaluate the health condition of Parrikar by forming a panel of expert doctors and release the report in public domain.

Arguing in the court, the state government in its submission said, "Steve Jobs was diagnosed with the same pancreatic cancer. In fact, much of his accomplishments came after his diagnosis."

"Just the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is not enough to ask the chief minister to resign from office," it added. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Steve Jobs died in 2011 after battling pancreatic cancer.

The state also informed the high court that the chief minister has been regularly holding meetings with his cabinet colleagues and senior officials and monitoring the administration.

Parrikar has been ailing since mid-February. He has been treated at different hospitals including those in Goa, Mumbai and the US. He is currently undergoing treatment at his residence.&nbsp;

The Goa government has told the Bombay High Court that mere diagnosis of cancer does not mean that Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar was not fit enough to handle the state administration, and cited Apple co-founder Steve Jobs' accomplishments to drive home its point.

The Goa government has told the Bombay High Court that mere diagnosis of cancer does not mean that Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar was not fit enough to handle the state administration, and cited Apple co-founder Steve Jobs' accomplishments to drive home its point. State Advocate General Dattaprasad Lawande Wednesday told a division bench of Justices R M Borde and Prithviraj Chavan that the petition seeking bulletin of the chief minister's health was not in good faith as it intends to affect his fundamental rights and the right to his privacy. Petitioner Trajano D'Mello in his petition filed earlier this month had sought directions to state Chief Secretary Dharmendra Sharma to evaluate the health condition of Parrikar by forming a panel of expert doctors and release the report in public domain. Arguing in the court, the state government in its submission said, "Steve Jobs was diagnosed with the same pancreatic cancer. In fact, much of his accomplishments came after his diagnosis." "Just the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is not enough to ask the chief minister to resign from office," it added. Steve Jobs died in 2011 after battling pancreatic cancer. The state also informed the high court that the chief minister has been regularly holding meetings with his cabinet colleagues and senior officials and monitoring the administration. Parrikar has been ailing since mid-February. He has been treated at different hospitals including those in Goa, Mumbai and the US. He is currently undergoing treatment at his residence.

Goa govt says mere diagnosis of cancer not enough to ask Parrikar to resign

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