January 29, 2026

Groundbreaking Pancreatic Cancer Treatment: Triple Drug Combo Shows Promise Summary: A new study from Spain’s National Cancer Research Centre has shown a promising new therapy for pancreatic cancer. The therapy, which combines three drugs, targets key signalling pathways to induce complete regression of pancreatic tumours in preclinical models. The treatment successfully blocked tumour growth without any signs of resistance for over 200 days. This breakthrough could lead to future clinical trials and potentially improve survival rates for one of the deadliest cancers.     Triple-Targeted Therapy Breakthrough for Pancreatic Cancer Pancreatic cancer, particularly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), is one of the most aggressive and hardest-to-treat cancers. It has a devastating prognosis, with survival rates barely touching the 10% mark for five years. This is largely due to the rapid emergence of resistance to most treatment methods. However, new research from Spain offers a glimmer of hope. What is the New Therapy? Researchers from the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) have developed a new combination therapy that targets three critical molecular pathways involved in the development and growth of PDAC. This breakthrough therapy includes: RMC-6236 (daraxonrasib) – a drug that targets the KRAS gene, known to be crucial in PDAC tumour formation. Afatinib – an EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) family inhibitor. SD36 – a selective STAT3 degrader, which focuses on inhibiting the STAT3 pathway known to be important for tumour survival. These three drugs work in tandem to simultaneously inhibit multiple points of tumour signalling, addressing the issue of resistance, which typically arises when only one pathway is targeted. The Breakthrough: Long-lasting Tumour Regression In the study, researchers tested this combination therapy in preclinical models, including orthotopic mouse models (where tumour cells are implanted in locations that mimic the human pancreas). The results were nothing short of remarkable: the combination therapy led to complete and lasting regression of pancreatic tumours. The most exciting part? No signs of tumour resistance appeared, even after more than 200 days post-treatment. This is a significant step forward, as most cancer treatments eventually fail due to resistance. Why is This So Significant? One of the biggest challenges in cancer treatment is overcoming resistance. Traditional therapies, which often target a single pathway, face the problem of cancer cells adapting and finding new ways to grow. By using a triple-inhibition strategy, this new therapy bypasses that issue. Researchers found that targeting the KRAS gene (downstream), EGFR receptors (upstream), and STAT3 pathways (parallel survival pathways) at the same time prevented the tumour from developing resistance. Extending the Study: Broader Efficacy Across Models The preclinical models used in the study included genetically engineered mouse tumours and human cancer tissues (patient-derived tumour xenografts, or PDX). This broad spectrum of testing strengthens the case for this therapy as a viable option for treating human pancreatic cancer. The combination therapy not only reduced tumour size but also stopped tumour growth entirely in both mouse and human-derived models, showing the potential for this therapy to be effective across various stages of the disease. Well-Tolerated Treatment with Favorable Safety Profile An important aspect of any cancer treatment is its side effects. Thankfully, the triple-drug combination demonstrated a favorable safety profile in preclinical trials. This means it could be a viable option for future human clinical trials, where safety is a paramount concern. The animals involved in the study tolerated the treatment well, with no significant side effects. Clinical Implications: A Step Toward Better Treatments While more research is needed before human clinical trials can begin, these findings are a major step forward in the development of new pancreatic cancer treatments. The research suggests that a multi-targeted approach could significantly improve survival rates and help prevent treatment resistance. According to the study authors, this could set the stage for clinical trials that will benefit PDAC patients worldwide. Challenges Ahead: Optimizing for Patients Although the research shows great promise, the authors caution that transitioning from preclinical studies to human clinical trials will be a complex process. The combination therapy will need to be optimized for human patients, considering factors like dosage, delivery methods, and potential drug interactions. However, the team remains optimistic, stating that this discovery could reshape the future of pancreatic cancer treatment. Final Thoughts: What’s Next? This study brings a significant breakthrough in the fight against one of the most lethal cancers. The triple-combination therapy could eventually offer a much-needed solution for patients who currently have few options. While it will take time for these findings to make their way into clinical practice, the results so far are encouraging, and researchers are hopeful that this could lead to more effective treatments for PDAC in the near future. References: https://www.drugtargetreview.com/news/192714/drug-trio-found-to-block-tumour-resistance-in-pancreatic-cancer/ https://www.euronews.com/health/2026/01/28/scientists-achieve-pancreatic-tumour-regression-in-breakthrough-study https://www.euronews.com/health/2026/01/10/understanding-the-health-issues-set-to-dominate-2026 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/spanish-scientist-finds-cure-for-pancreatic-cancer-in-major-medical-breakthrough/articleshow/127714543.cms