A new pill is being hailed as a major breakthrough in the fight against pancreatic cancer after clinical trials showed it can double survival times for patients with advanced disease.

The drug, Daraxonrasib, extended median survival from around six and a half months with chemotherapy alone to more than 13 months, according to trial results.

Experts say the findings are a rare development in a cancer that is often diagnosed late and has long been considered difficult to treat.

Dr Rachna Shroff said she had “not seen these types of numbers before”, describing emotional scenes among researchers witnessing the results.

Pankind CEO Michelle Stewart said the response from doctors was unprecedented, calling it “a massive step forward”.

Researchers stress Daraxonrasib is not a cure, but say it could mark a turning point in treatment options, although availability in Australia still some time away.

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