FDA approves daraxonrasib for pancreatic cancer as vitamin C therapy stays debated

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted emergency, expanded-access approval for the oral drug daraxonrasib (RMC‑6236) from Revolution Medicines to treat metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The agent targets KRAS mutations found in about 90% of cases and, in clinical trials, cut death risk by roughly 60% and nearly doubled median survival for patients whose disease had progressed on standard chemotherapy. The FDA issued the approval within days of the request, highlighting its commitment to rapid access for life‑threatening conditions.

In parallel, high‑dose intravenous vitamin C continues to be a contentious cancer therapy. Nobel laureate Linus Pauling promoted the idea decades ago, and recent research distinguishes between oral tablets, which achieve limited blood levels, and IV infusions that can reach concentrations potentially toxic to tumor cells. Studies to date show mixed outcomes: some improvements in quality of life and reduced side effects, but no definitive evidence of survival benefit. Safety concerns remain for patients with kidney disease, G6PD deficiency, or iron‑overload disorders. The therapy remains experimental and unapproved as a standard cancer treatment.