Pancreatic cancer eliminated in mice by experimental three‑drug therapy

A Spanish research team reports an experimental three‑drug therapy removed pancreatic tumours in several mouse models, and the study's authors say the results support designing human clinical trials.

Researchers at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) report that an experimental three‑drug therapy eliminated pancreatic tumours in multiple mouse models. The study, led by Dr Mariano Barbacid and published in PNAS, describes how the treatment targets a common KRAS mutation linked to most pancreatic cancers. The authors say the findings point to combination approaches and support the design of human clinical trials. Key findings: - The treatment is a combination of three drugs and removed tumours in three different mouse models used by the research team. - The therapy is reported to act on a KRAS mutation that is present in about 90% of pancreatic cancers. - The study was led by CNIO researchers and published in the journal PNAS. - The results were observed in young, otherwise healthy mice and have not been demonstrated in humans. Summary: The reported result suggests a path for designing combination treatment trials for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma but applies only to laboratory models to date. Undetermined at this time.