A Spanish team has achieved a groundbreaking result against pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest forms of cancer. In the proceedings of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, researchers describe a triple therapy capable of shrinking, or even eliminating, tumors in mice, without relapse for more than 200 days—a duration deemed "exceptional" by specialists.
The strategy involves blocking the KRAS gene, mutated in 90% of pancreatic cancers, at three levels: an inhibitor currently undergoing clinical trials, a drug already used against certain lung cancers, and a protein degrader that is still experimental.
Despite the enthusiasm generated, scientists urge caution. "The efficacy and lack of toxicity in humans will need to be confirmed, which will take years," notes Yvan Martineau, a pancreatic cancer specialist. The study's lead author, Mariano Barbacid, also points out that some of the molecules are not yet available for clinical use.
This breakthrough comes at a time when new treatments targeting KRAS are modestly improving survival, but remain limited by resistance. More durable tumor responses could ultimately increase the number of operable patients and extend their life expectancy.
 Pascal Lemontel
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03/02/2026 | 
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