A breakthrough pancreatic cancer pill, plus why diabetes could be a warning sign

Gastroenterologist Dr. Veeral Oza explains why pancreatic cancer is so hard to catch early and how a new oral KRAS-targeting drug, known as daraxonrasib, is showing promising survival gains for some patients. He also shares a key early red flag doctors don’t want you to ignore: new-onset diabetes after age 50 (or sudden worsening control)

00:00 intro
00:03 Why pancreatic cancer is often caught late; what “earlier detection” could look like.
00:04 Stats + why this disease is so lethal; spotlight on the new drug.
00:05 Cancer biology basics; KRAS and how tumors “hide” from the immune system.
00:06 How Daraxonrasib works (switch/clamp concept) + survival improvement discussion.
00:08 Why cancers adapt; why personalized medicine may be the future.
00:09 Immunotherapy and “cancer vaccine” concept explained.
00:11 Side effects + why an oral pill with minimal hair loss matters.
00:13 How doctors handle biopsy timing, referrals, and the diagnosis conversation.
00:17 “Breakthrough therapy”/expanded access: what it means for availability.
00:18 What’s next: AI + earlier diagnosis research; diabetes as a major warning sign.
00:20 Symptoms of diabetes; when to ask “could this be pancreatic?”
00:22 Blood-test screening research + survival trends improving over time.
00:24 Other possible symptoms: weight loss, jaundice, fatigue; anatomy explains why.
00:28 Wrap-up + key takeaway: don’t ignore unexplained weight loss or glucose changes. 

The Wellness Files is a health-focused podcast where we explore practical tools, research and real patient stories. We hope to inform, inspire, and connect to audiences so you can be the best version of yourself, while also asking tough questions about safety and effectiveness.