Pancreatic Cancer Eliminated in Mice with New Triple Therapy – February 2, 2026
Spanish researchers at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas, known as CNIO, have achieved a significant breakthrough in the fight against pancreatic cancer. For the first time, they have completely eliminated this aggressive form of cancer in mice, using a new combination of three existing medications.
A Deadly Cancer with Limited Options
The research focuses on pancreatic cancer of the type ductal adenocarcinoma. This is the most common and deadly variant, often discovered late in humans, leading to limited treatment options and a low survival rate. Currently, less than 10 percent of patients live for five years after diagnosis.
A Novel Triple Therapy
The Spanish research team, led by oncologist Mariano Barbacid, developed what they call a “triple therapy.” This approach simultaneously blocks three key pathways that cancer cells need to grow and survive. The treatment targets the cancer gene KRAS, which is mutated in nearly all cases of pancreatic cancer, and the proteins EGFR and STAT3.
In experiments, mice with human pancreatic cancer tumors received this combination treatment. In 16 of the 18 mice, the tumors disappeared completely. The animals remained cancer-free for an extended period, without any apparent side effects or significant damage to healthy organs.
Positive Results in Multiple Models
Positive results were also observed in genetically modified mice that spontaneously developed pancreatic cancer. In these cases, tumors either shrank significantly or disappeared entirely. Researchers note the importance of these findings, as these models more closely resemble the human disease.
A key advantage of the combination treatment is its ability to prevent resistance. Previous treatments using only a KRAS inhibitor often resulted in tumors adapting and regrowing. By blocking multiple growth mechanisms simultaneously, cancer cells have fewer opportunities to do so.
What’s Next?
While the results are promising, researchers emphasize that this research is currently limited to animal studies. Extensive further research is needed before this therapy can be tested in humans. However, the scientists believe this represents an important step toward better treatments for one of the deadliest forms of cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of pancreatic cancer was studied?
The research focused on pancreatic cancer of the type ductal adenocarcinoma, the most common and deadly variant.
How many mice experienced complete tumor elimination?
In experiments, 16 of the 18 mice with human pancreatic cancer tumors experienced complete tumor elimination.
What genes and proteins does the triple therapy target?
The triple therapy targets the cancer gene KRAS, and the proteins EGFR and STAT3.
What role could combination therapies play in the future of cancer treatment?