Nab-paclitaxel is an albumin-bound formulation of paclitaxel marketed as Abraxane for selected solid tumors such as breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers. The formulation was developed to deliver paclitaxel without Cremophor-containing solvent systems. U.S. approval was first granted in 2005.
Daraxonrasib reduced death risk by 60% versus chemo in Phase 3 pancreatic cancer trial (median OS 13.2 vs 6.7 months). EMA began rolling review; zoldonrasib combo data presented at ESMO GI.
The FDA approved Novocure's Optune Pax for locally advanced pancreatic cancer with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel, based on PANOVA-3 data showing improved overall survival. The device also earned a CE mark in Europe, with a planned launch in Germany.
The phase 3 ROSELLA trial showed relacorilant plus nab-paclitaxel significantly improved overall survival in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer by 4.1 months versus nab-paclitaxel alone. The benefit was consistent across all subgroups regardless of prior taxane exposure, leading to FDA approval in March 2026. The combination also met its progression-free survival endpoint and demonstrated a favorable safety profile.
The FDA approved Novocure’s Optune Pax, a wearable tumor-treating fields device, for pancreatic cancer in combination with chemotherapy. Phase III PANOVA-3 data showed delayed pain progression and improved one-year overall survival in inoperable locally advanced disease.
Datopotamab deruxtecan improved PFS and OS versus chemotherapy in advanced TNBC in TROPION-Breast02. Median PFS was 10.8 vs 5.6 months; OS was 23.7 vs 18.7 months. Published in Annals of Oncology.
Revolution Medicines has initiated patient treatment in the Phase 3 RASolute 303 trial testing daraxonrasib as first-line therapy for metastatic pancreatic cancer. The company also expects top-line data from its Phase 3 RASolute 302 trial in second-line pancreatic cancer in the first half of 2026. Both trials are evaluating the oral RAS(ON) inhibitor in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, a highly lethal cancer with significant unmet medical need.
Moderna and Merck advance a Phase 2 trial of mRNA cancer vaccine V940 with pembrolizumab and chemotherapy for metastatic squamous NSCLC. In biliary tract cancer, first-line treatment combines chemotherapy with immunotherapy, while targeted therapy resistance prompts liquid biopsy. ImmunityBio tests a chemotherapy-free NK-cell regimen in non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Multiple phase 3 breast cancer trials reported significant findings in early 2026, including positive results for novel therapies across different subtypes. Key data includes progression-free survival benefits for palbociclib in HR-positive, HER2-positive advanced breast cancer and investigations of antibody-drug conjugates and combination therapies. Full trial findings are expected to be presented at upcoming medical meetings.
The FDA has approved Optune Pax, a Tumor Treating Fields device, for use with chemotherapy in locally advanced pancreatic cancer. The approval is based on phase 3 trial data showing improved overall survival and pain progression outcomes. This marks the first new treatment approach for this patient population in approximately 30 years.
The FDA has approved Lifyorli (relacorilant) plus nab-paclitaxel for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer based on trial data showing improved survival. Separately, the agency granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to Lilly's sofetabart mipitecan for the same condition, expediting development of the antibody-drug conjugate.
| NCT ID | Title | Status | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCT07769502 |
A Study to Assess Adverse Events and Change in Disease Activity With Treatment Combinations With Telisotuzumab Adizutecan in Adults Participants With Pancreatobiliary Cancers |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | PHASE2 |
| NCT07763496 |
Relacorilant and Nab-Paclitaxel in Recurrent or Metastatic Cervical Cancer |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | PHASE2 |
| NCT07752394 |
Penpulimab Combined With Chemotherapy for Patients With Locally Advanced Hypopharyngeal Carcinoma |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | PHASE2 |
| NCT07748611 |
SMAD4 Tailored Neoadjuvant Therapy for the Treatment of Resectable and Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma, SMART-PANC Trial |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | PHASE2 |
| NCT07738341 |
GB268 Monotherapy or Combination Therapy for Locally Advanced/Metastatic Breast Cancer (Phase Ib/Ⅱ) |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | PHASE1/PHASE2 |
| NCT07729956 |
A Study of BL-B01D1 Plus an Anti-PD-1 Antibody Versus Nab-paclitaxel Plus an Anti-PD-1 Antibody in Patients With Previously Untreated, Locally Advanced, Inoperable or Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Whose Tumors Express PD-L1 (PANKU-Breast04) |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | PHASE3 |
| NCT07711470 |
Phase II Study of Induction Chemoimmunotherapy Followed by Radiotherapy and Organ Preservation in Resectable ESCC |
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING | PHASE2 |
| NCT07705919 |
DCE-MRI for Neoadjuvant Treatment Assessment in Patients With Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | PHASE1/PHASE2 |
| NCT07662811 |
SYHX2011 in Combination With Carboplatin and Enlonstobart as First-Line Therapy for Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | PHASE2/PHASE3 |
| NCT07662395 |
SCTB41 Combined With Chemotherapy in Advanced Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer |
RECRUITING | PHASE2/PHASE3 |
