KRAS mutations were once considered “undruggable,” but that’s quickly changing. Recent advances in pancreatic cancer research are carrying over to lung cancer.
Daraxonrasib, a targeted therapy designed to block multiple KRAS mutations, recently became an important new treatment option for people with advanced pancreatic cancer. In a clinical trial, people treated with daraxonrasib lived a median of 13.2 months, compared with 6.6 months for those who received chemotherapy.
Now, the same drug is showing encouraging early results in lung cancer, raising the possibility that it could eventually expand targeted treatment options for people with KRAS-mutated lung cancer.
Why KRAS matters in lung cancer
KRAS is a gene that helps control cell growth. When KRAS is mutated, it can become stuck in the “on” position, causing cells to grow uncontrollably.
KRAS mutations are found in about 25% of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). There are several different KRAS mutations, including G12C, G12D, G12V, and others.
The first KRAS-targeted drugs focused on KRAS G12C, the most common KRAS mutation in NSCLC. This was a major breakthrough because it showed that KRAS could, in fact, be targeted with medication.
The challenge has been finding treatments that can target other KRAS mutations.
That is where newer drugs such as daraxonrasib could make a difference.
What did the lung cancer study find?
A phase 1/2 clinical trial tested daraxonrasib in 136 people with metastatic lung cancer whose tumors had KRAS mutations. Most had already received chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
More than 30% of patients responded to treatment, meaning their tumors shrank.
Researchers also reported:
- 8.3 months — median progression-free survival, or the amount of time before the cancer got worse
- 16.0 months — median overall survival
Because this was an early-phase trial, these results need to be confirmed in larger studies. The trial was primarily designed to evaluate the drug’s safety, activity, and appropriate dose.
Still, the findings are encouraging, particularly because the study included people with several different KRAS mutations, including G12V, G12A, G12D, G13D and Q61.
Why targeting more KRAS mutations matters
The success of the first KRAS G12C drugs proved that KRAS could be targeted. But people with other KRAS mutations haven’t had the same number of targeted treatment options.
Daraxonrasib is designed to target multiple forms of KRAS, potentially allowing more people with KRAS-driven cancers to benefit from targeted treatment. This is particularly important for people with advanced lung cancer who have already received other treatments.
What this means for people with lung cancer
Daraxonrasib is still being studied in lung cancer, so more research is needed before we know how it will fit into treatment.
Once considered impossible to target. researchers are now developing treatments that can target more types of KRAS mutations.
For people with NSCLC, this also highlights why biomarker testing matters. Knowing the specific genetic changes driving your cancer can help your care team identify targeted therapies or clinical trials that may be appropriate for you.
As KRAS research continues, the goal is to turn these discoveries into more effective and personalized treatment options for more people with cancer.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Outcomes4Me is not acting as your caregiver, and any suggestions or guidance offered should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider or qualified medical professional. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
