New Pancreatic Cancer Drug Wiped Out Tumors in Study—What It Means for Future Treatment
We asked doctors how to protect yourself while the multi-drug therapy is still in the works
In 2026, an estimated 67,530 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. But imagine a treatment that could completely eliminate pancreatic cancer tumors. It sounds like a dream—but new research is making that dream feel closer to reality. A groundbreaking study just revealed a multi-drug combination wiped out pancreatic tumor cells in mice, and doctors say it’s a major step forward in the fight against one of the deadliest cancers. Even better? While we wait for this treatment to reach humans, there are proven steps you can take right now to lower your risk. We spoke with leading experts about this exciting breakthrough and to gather their best prevention tips.
What is pancreatic cancer?
“Pancreatic cancer is a disease where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the pancreas and form a tumor,” explains Shanel Bhagwandin, DO, FACS, MPH, Program Director of the National Pancreas Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Center of Excellence at Jupiter Medical Center. “The pancreas is an organ deep in the abdomen that helps [our bodies] digest food by making enzymes and control blood sugar by making insulin.”
“Most pancreatic cancers start in the part of the pancreas that makes digestive enzymes,” says Dr. Bhagwandin. “This type is called pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, which simply means a cancer that begins in the lining of the pancreatic ducts.”
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Dr. Bhagwandin adds that several factors can trigger mutations from healthy pancreas cells into cancerous cells, including obesity, long-standing diabetes, chronic inflammation of the pancreas, inherited genetic factors and smoking. “In many people, there is no single cause—it’s usually a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors over time,” adds Dr. Bhagwandin.
Researchers are studying new pancreatic cancer drugs
So what’s the new research giving people hope to live longer and healthier when it comes to pancreatic cancer? A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that a multi-drug treatment eliminated pancreatic tumors in mice.
“[In the study], they combined three drugs designed to block key growth pathways that pancreatic cancer cells rely on to survive and adapt,” says Dr. Bhagwandin. “A ‘pathway’ is a chain of signals inside cells that tells them when to grow, divide or repair.”
“The combination therapy led to significant tumor regression and, notably, prevented the cancer cells from developing resistance to treatment,” adds Eve Elizabeth K. Pennie, MD, a general practitioner and clinical research professional with experience in epidemiology and clinical trial management. “Single- or dual-drug approaches allowed tumors to adapt and resume growth, whereas the three-drug regimen maintained sustained tumor suppression.”
What does this mean for pancreatic cancer treatment?
Our experts say this research is a stepping stone in the right direction, but more research is still needed.
“This is early-stage research, meaning it has not yet been tested in humans and more studies and clinical trials are required,” says Dr. Bhagwandin. “That said, the implications are promising [considering] it supports a shift toward combination targeted therapies. It may lead to treatments that are more durable and less prone to resistance [and] it could eventually improve outcomes for patients whose tumors are not surgically removable.”
“Pancreatic cancer remains challenging, but we are seeing progress,” adds Dr. Bhagwandin.
Current pancreatic cancer treatment options
Today, pancreatic cancer treatment depends on how advanced the cancer is. Dr. Bhagwandin says common options include:
- Surgery: This approach may be used when the cancer is limited to the pancreas and offers the best chance for cure.
- Chemotherapy: Medications are used to kill cancer cells or slow their growth.
- Radiation therapy: This treatment uses high-energy rays to damage pancreatic cancer cells.
- Targeted therapy: Medications block specific pathways that help cancer grow and spread.
- Immunotherapy: Dr. Bhagwandin says this option is used in select cases. It works by helping the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
How to help prevent pancreatic cancer
While we wait for this breakthrough pancreatic cancer treatment to reach patients, you may be wondering how to protect yourself today. We asked our experts for their top tips.
Quit smoking
“Smoking is the strongest preventable risk factor for pancreatic cancer,” says Dr. Bhagwandin.
“Tobacco smoke contains carcinogens that damage DNA in pancreatic cells,” adds Dr. Pennie. “Quitting smoking reduces ongoing exposure and lowers long-term risk.” (Discover the best ways to quit smoking.)
Maintain a healthy weight
“Excess body weight is linked to chronic inflammation and insulin resistance, both of which can promote cancer development,” says Dr. Pennie. “Regular exercise and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins support metabolic health.”
Manage your blood sugar
“Maintaining blood glucose control through medical care, nutrition and lifestyle changes may reduce stress on pancreatic tissue,” says Dr. Pennie. “Long-standing, poorly-controlled diabetes is associated with increased pancreatic cancer risk.”
Limit alcohol
“Excessive alcohol intake can lead to chronic pancreatitis, which increases cancer risk,” says Dr. Pennie. “Moderation helps reduce inflammation and pancreatic injury over time.”
While there’s still a journey ahead before this treatment reaches patients, this breakthrough proves that progress is happening. And in the meantime, you have the power to take meaningful steps today to protect your health and lower your risk.
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