An experimental pill that targets a common gene mutation in pancreatic cancer shrank tumors in 41% of previously treated patients in an early trial, according to data released by its maker. Verastem Oncology reported that 9 of 22 patients taking the 900-milligram daily dose of VS-7375 had a confirmed response, Targeted Oncology reported on Oct. 15.
These results are early and company-reported. They come from a small study without a comparison group; they were released in a company announcement rather than a peer-reviewed journal, and the median follow-up was only 6.4 months. They do not show that the drug helps patients live longer.
