Groundbreaking Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trial in New England
ECHO is proud to announce our participation in the Revolution clinical trial (Apex-103) for solid tumors including pancreatic cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. This groundbreaking national study has recently gained national attention for its encouraging early results and potential to improve outcomes with solid tumors, including pancreatic cancer, which has notoriously been one of the most difficult cancers to treat.
ECHO is currently one of only five sites in the United States offering this clinical trial. At this time, ECHO is the only active site in New England and the only participating community-based oncology practice in the country.
“It is a tremendous privilege to be able to conduct such an important, revolutionary trial in the community oncology setting,” said ECHO’s Director of Research, Dr. Spiro Curis. “We are thrilled to be part of a study with the potential to change the future of treatment for patients with pancreatic, NSCLC, and colorectal cancers.”
About the Revolution Trial
The Revolution trial is evaluating the efficacy and safety of daraxonrasib, an investigational targeted therapy for patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The study focuses on cancers driven by RAS gene mutations, which are present in more than 90% of pancreatic cancer cases.
In addition to pancreatic cancer, the trial also includes study arms examining the impact of daraxonrasib in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer.
About Daraxonrasib
Daraxonrasib is an investigational medication designed to target mutations in the RAS gene, which play a significant role in helping cancer cells grow and spread. By blocking the activity of the RAS protein, researchers hope the drug may slow or stop tumor growth.
Early clinical trial data has shown encouraging results, including:
- Improved survival compared to standard chemotherapy
- Slower tumor growth
- Some patients remaining stable for more than eight months
The trial at ECHO is led by Dr. Dennis Slater. While additional research is still needed, these early findings are generating excitement throughout the oncology community.
FDA Fast-Track Designation
Due to its potential benefit for patients with serious disease, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted daraxonrasib Fast Track designation. This designation is intended to accelerate the development and review of promising therapies for serious conditions such as pancreatic cancer.
An expanded access program may also allow some eligible patients to receive the drug outside of a clinical trial setting in the future.
Advancing Access to Clinical Trials Close to Home
ECHO’s Managing Partner, Dr. Dinesh Kapur, emphasized the importance of bringing innovative cancer care directly to the local community.
“For 35 years, ECHO has been leading the way in cancer care,” said Dr. Kapur. “We want patients to know they do not need to travel far to participate in nationwide clinical trials. Receiving care close to home minimizes the burden and costs of travel while allowing patients to remain supported by family members and providers they know and trust.”
ECHO currently offers multiple active clinical trials, with additional studies planned in the future. Dr. Curis noted that ECHO continuously seeks out leading-edge research opportunities to meet the needs of patients across Eastern Connecticut and the broader New England community.
Click here to learn about current trials.
Speak with your oncology care team to learn whether a clinical trial may be appropriate for you or your loved one. For information about the clinical trials, please contact: Dr. Spiro Curis at scuris@echoct.com or (860) 886-8362, x251.