Can pancreatic cancer be cured? Facts about a hopeful new treatment

Anyone who has heard "you have pancreatic cancer" understands the icy grip of fear that comes with the diagnosis. But there's a hopeful new advancement that can help with this extremely deadly cancer.

Why is pancreatic cancer so deadly

Before learning about this potential cure, understand that pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, in part because it is usually diagnosed after it has metastasized, or spread, to other parts of the body.

"In its early stages, pancreatic cancer usually has no obvious symptoms," says Deric Savior, MD, medical director of Main Line Health Cancer Services. "When there are symptoms, they are similar to many other illnesses. The pancreas is located behind other organs, which also makes diagnosis and treatment difficult."

It's estimated that more than 67,000 new cases will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2026.

What's the survival rate of pancreatic cancer

Treatment of pancreatic cancer has been challenging, especially if it has metastasized. According to the National Cancer Institute, the five-year survival rate is:

• 13.7% for overall cases
• 3.4% if it has spread

Has pancreatic cancer been cured

You may have seen recent news headlines about a "pancreatic cancer cure." The truth is this treatment isn't a full cure to pancreatic cancer. But it is an innovation that represents an important step forward in treatment and gives patients, families and clinicians a lot of hope.

What is the latest treatment for pancreatic cancer

"There is a great deal of promising research happening with pancreatic cancer," explains Dr. Savior. "A new drug called daraxonrasib has begun phase III clinical trials. The results (published in the New England Journal of Medicine) have been so promising that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended fast-tracking the drug to make it available to patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer even before it has been fully approved."

Because pancreatic cancer often has a short survival window, faster access to a promising treatment can be life-changing.

"This could double the life expectancy for some patients and may have fewer adverse side effects. It will likely change the standard of care for pancreatic cancer treatment," says Dr. Savior.

Our oncologists will continue to monitor the progress of daraxonrasib and share updates with the community.

What else to know about pancreatic cancer

While pancreatic cancer research continues, Dr. Savior advises you to watch out for the risk factors and symptoms of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer risk factors

• Smoking
• Overweight or obesity
• Personal history of diabetes or chronic pancreatitis
• Family history of pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis
• Hereditary conditions such as:
  • Lynch syndrome
  • Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
  • Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome
  • Familial atypical multiple mole melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome
  • Ataxia-telangiectasia

Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
• Light-colored stools
• Dark urine
• Pain in your upper or middle abdomen and back
• Weight loss for no known reason
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue

"No one knows your body like you do," Dr. Savior says. "If something feels off, talk to your health care clinician. Start with your primary care clinician, who can refer you to a specialist if needed to do some testing.

It may be nothing, but it's important to find out. And if it does turn out to be something serious like pancreatic cancer, your options and chance of successful treatment are much better when it's caught early."

Next steps

Find a primary care provider

Learn more about cancer care at Main Line Health

Learn more about the Genetics and Risk Assessment Program

Related posts

Know the signs: Early diagnosis of GI cancers can save lives

Cancer prevention starts with you: 5 tips to reduce your cancer risk

Control lipids to manage heart disease and other health risks

Why do I need a primary care physician? A doctor responds