The Brief
- A groundbreaking new pancreatic cancer drug receives FDA approval following promising clinical results.
- A Milwaukee teacher saw rapid tumor shrinkage after joining an expanded access program in July.
- The daily pill doubles survival rates by blocking mutated proteins that fuel the cancer.
MILWAUKEE – A groundbreaking new drug is giving pancreatic cancer patients new hope. The pill got FDA approval on Wednesday, Aug. 26.
Treatment with the new drug
What we know:
Rachelle Gardner started her treatment in late July as part of an expanded access program. The drug has shown improvement in survival rates in those with advanced pancreatic cancer. Gardner said for the first time in a long time, she is feeling good about what is ahead.
“I have more hope,” Gardner said.
It has not always been that way for the Milwaukee Public School teacher. In October 2023, she was diagnosed with Stage 1 pancreatic cancer. She was treated with chemo and radiation as it advanced to Stage 4. This spring, she got devastating news.…