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Israeli scientists launch world-first clinical trial for experimental pancreatic cancer treatment

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Israeli scientists have launched the world's first clinical trial for an experimental pancreatic cancer treatment targeting KRAS mutations.
  • The trial, evaluating Silexion Therapeutics' SIL204, uses siRNA to suppress mutated KRAS genes, a common driver of pancreatic cancer.
  • Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center is the first to recruit patients, with the study aiming to assess safety before expanding to Europe.

Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center is pioneering a new frontier in the fight against pancreatic cancer, becoming the first medical center globally to initiate a clinical trial for an experimental treatment targeting KRAS mutations. The treatment, known as SIL204, was developed by Israeli biotechnology firm Silexion Therapeutics.

SIL204 employs small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules designed to suppress the expression of mutated KRAS genes within tumor cells. These mutations are implicated in approximately 90% of pancreatic cancer cases and are a primary driver of tumor growth and disease spread, posing a historical challenge for therapeutic development.

Pancreatic cancer treatment is undergoing a significant transformation. We are proud to be the first center worldwide to lead this Israeli-developed approach, which combines direct intratumoral administration of the investigational treatment with systemic therapy in patients with locally advanced, unresectable disease.

— Prof. Ravit GevaDirector of the Oncology Institute and Gastrointestinal Oncology Center at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, commenting on the significance of the trial.

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest forms of cancer, often diagnosed at advanced stages. This new trial will administer SIL204 directly into the tumor, in combination with standard systemic treatments. Researchers aim to determine if silencing mutated KRAS can inhibit tumor growth in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer that is inoperable.

The initial phase will involve around 18 patients, focusing on the treatment's safety profile. The study is slated to expand to additional medical centers in Israel and Germany, potentially enrolling up to 166 patients. Professor Ravit Geva, the lead investigator at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, expressed pride in leading this "Israeli-developed approach," which marks a significant transformation in pancreatic cancer treatment.

The initiation of the study at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center marks SIL204’s transition from years of development and clinical preparation into an active clinical program.

— Ilan HadarChairman and CEO of Silexion Therapeutics, describing the trial's commencement as a milestone.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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