A groundbreaking tablet treatment named “divarasib” has emerged as a highly effective solution for a challenging type of colorectal cancer associated with the KRAS G12C mutation.
Recent research, published in Nature Medicine on December 5th, has unveiled remarkable results, with 62% of individuals afflicted with KRAS G12C mutated bowel cancer showing a positive response to the divarasib treatment when combined with another cancer therapy called cetuximab.
Professor Jayesh Desai, a Medical Oncologist and the Associate Director of Clinical Research at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Center, expressed his enthusiasm for these impressive findings.
While the KRAS G12C mutation is relatively rare, occurring in only about 4% of colorectal cancer patients, it is routinely screened for, simplifying the identification of eligible patients for this innovative treatment.
The study demonstrated a median progression-free survival of slightly over eight months for participants, and the treatment was well-tolerated, with manageable side effects.
Notably, the response rates observed in this study surpassed those seen with other treatments targeting the KRAS G12C mutation pathway.
These promising results have raised hopes for improved outcomes for colorectal cancer patients with the combination of divarasib and cetuximab.
Professor Desai also highlighted the crucial role played by the Parkville Cancer Clinical Trials Early Drug Development team in recruiting, supporting, and managing patients throughout these challenging early-phase clinical trials.
Early drug development trials require a highly skilled and experienced team, and the professionals at Peter Mac are known for their exceptional dedication to ensuring the best care for patients and compliance with trial protocols.
The KRAS protein is a critical regulator of cancer cell division and survival. When the KRAS-G12C protein mutates, it enhances the propensity of cells, including cancer cells, to uncontrollably divide, ultimately leading to the formation of tumors.
It’s worth noting that Peter MacCallum Cancer Center was extensively involved in the design and implementation of a global phase I trial involving divarasib as a standalone treatment for advanced metastatic cancer.
This groundbreaking research was previously published in the New England Journal of Medicine earlier this year.
These developments hold significant promise for the future of colorectal cancer treatment, particularly for those with the KRAS G12C mutation.
While further research and clinical trials are needed to solidify these findings, the progress made with divarasib and cetuximab combination therapy is a hopeful step forward in the battle against this challenging disease.
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The research findings can be found in Nature Medicine.
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