Pancreatic cancer: New research and treatment developments in Greece

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most aggressive malignancies, often diagnosed at advanced stages. In Greece, the disease accounts for approximately 7% of all cancer deaths, with mortality rates showing an increase from 1,914 deaths in 2018 to 2,038 in 2023.

To combat this, the Attikon University General Hospital is participating in the European SHIELD research program. This observational study, conducted across seven European countries, focuses on the early detection of pre-cancerous lesions in high-risk individuals to prevent progression to malignancy.

In terms of treatment, a new therapeutic approach has gained momentum following a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and FDA approval of daraxonrasib. This drug acts as a RAS pathway inhibitor, targeting KRAS mutations found in over 90% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. By inhibiting RAS proteins in their active form, the treatment prevents the signaling that leads to uncontrolled cell multiplication.