Pancreatic cancer: Spanish study finds triple therapy eliminated tumors in mice

A Spanish research team published results in PNAS showing a three‑drug (CNIO) regimen fully eliminated pancreatic tumors in mice; the authors say clinical trials are not yet possible and optimization for patients will be complex.

A Spanish research team reports that a three‑drug combination therapy produced full tumor regression in mice with pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is discussed because it is a highly lethal disease with low survival rates, and new approaches to treatment are urgently sought. The study was published in PNAS and led by cancer biologist Mariano Barbacid at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre. The authors caution that the treatment is not ready for use in patients and that adapting the combination for clinical testing will be complex. Key facts: - The study reports complete elimination of pancreatic tumors in mice after treatment with a three‑drug regimen described as the CNIO therapy. - Results were published in the journal PNAS and the work was led by Mariano Barbacid at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre. - The study authors say they are not yet in a position to run clinical trials and that optimizing the combination for patients will be complex, though the findings could guide future trials. - Commentators noted that mouse results are an early stage of research; one estimate mentioned an 8–10 year timeline before human clinical insight under a typical research schedule. Summary: The research shows a notable laboratory result in mice that may point toward new combination approaches for treatment. Clinical testing and patient‑focused optimization are the next stated steps, and timelines for human testing remain uncertain.