Central Oregon patients gain access to newly approved breakthrough cancer medication

CENTRAL OREGON (KTVZ) -- The Food and Drug Administration approved daraxonrasib Aug. 26, offering a new treatment option for patients with stage 4 metastatic pancreatic cancer. Early research shows the medication doubles average life expectancy for patients with advanced stages of the disease from six to 13 months.

Seven patients at St. Charles Cancer Institute began taking daraxonrasib earlier this month through an expanded access program. The program allows patients facing life-threatening conditions to receive prescription medications prior to official FDA approval. While the drug is not a cure, health officials noted it provides a meaningful extension of life for individuals with limited treatment options.

Medical options for advanced pancreatic cancer have historically been limited. Dr. Christina Fitzmaurice, medical director for research at St. Charles Cancer Institute, highlighted the effect of the new treatment for patients who have exhausted standard care.

“This is the first time in many years that we have a completely new treatment that really makes a noticeable difference in how long those patients live,” Fitzmaurice said. “Especially with metastatic pancreatic cancer, we run out of treatment options pretty quickly. The only thing we can offer is hospice. This medication can extend life by an extra year, which is pretty meaningful.”

John Johnson, a 78-year-old resident of La Pine, is one of the patients taking daraxonrasib through the early access program. Johnson has had pancreatic cancer for more than a year and had run out of treatment options.

“I was on the tail end. This drug coming out, it was like a new breath of life. We will see how long I last – a year, maybe two,” Johnson said. He said he plans to spend his time with his wife, Barb, working in his shop and working in his garden. “All you've got to do is keep your chin up and not sit in a chair too much.”

Caregivers across multiple departments at the institute worked for months to secure early access for patients prior to FDA approval. Kat Brookhart, a clinical researcher at St. Charles Cancer Institute, noted the impact of providing early access to patients.

“I love getting to be a part of something this meaningful, which is so important to patients and their families to get precious extra time,” Brookhart said.

Dr. Linyee Chang, executive medical director for St. Charles Cancer Institute, said health care teams remain dedicated to pursuing expanded access programs for emerging therapies.

“We want patients in Central Oregon to have access to emerging treatments and medications that can make a powerful difference in their lives,” Chang said. “This is an exciting moment to celebrate and also representative of the kind of work our teams are doing behind the scenes every day to serve our patients.”

Watch this video to learn more about daraxonrasib.