#PCAMChat24 A3: From a clinical/translational standpoint, we finally have drugs that can target KRAS in #PancreaticCancer. This gene is abnormal in >90% of cases, and it has taken four decades since the original discovery tofinally have a slew of drugs in the pipeline that can block aberrant KRAS function in patients. However, we also know that these drugs in and of themselves will not be effective and so a lot of preclinical (a.k.a. laboratory based, in experimental models) studies are ongoing looking at effective combinations that can sustain responses longer in patients, while ameliorating toxicities.

“There are not, and will never be, KRAS inhibitors” 👀 @Pasca_Lab presents a memorable reviewer comment from her 1st unfunded NIH grant at #AACRPan24. The lesson is that you should not let deflating reviewer comments define the value of your science. Also, persistence!

The company ran a 240 patient (!) randomized phase 2 trial of Simtuzumab in #PancreaticCancer that showed no therapeutic benefit. academic.oup.com/oncolo/arti… As an angiogenesis inhibitor (versus the stated inhibition of LOXL2 catalytic activity) this was essentially a rerun of Gem plus Bev trial which had already failed years prior. Really infuriating.