UCSF Researcher Won Stephenson Prize for Cancer Breakthrough
Kevan Shokat received the honor for developing a drug that targets KRAS mutations in pancreatic cancer patients.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Cancer
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A UCSF researcher has been awarded the Stephenson Prize for pioneering work that transformed the treatment of KRAS-driven cancers. Kevan Shokat led the team that identified how to block these previously unreachable mutations, leading to a new FDA-approved therapy.
Why it matters
Mutations in the KRAS gene are responsible for 30% of all cancers and 90% of pancreatic cases, long acting as a molecular switch for uncontrolled growth. This research effectively doubled the survival time for advanced pancreatic cancer patients from six months to 13 months.
Clinical trial results show a survival time of 13 months for advanced pancreatic cancer patients treated with daraxonrasib, compared to the previous benchmark of 6 months. Researchers estimate these mutations contribute to 2.5 million new cancer diagnoses annually.
The players
Kevan Shokat
A researcher at UCSF whose work on KRAS gene mutations has led to significant advancements in cancer drug therapy.
Jim Wells
A researcher who worked alongside Kevan Shokat to identify the G12C mutation as a viable target for drug compounds.
Revolution Medicines
The pharmaceutical firm that conducted the Phase III trials for the drug daraxonrasib.
The details
Shokat and colleague Jim Wells identified the G12C mutation as a target by utilizing tethers and x-ray crystallography to map the drug interaction. This foundational work culminated in the August 2026 FDA approval of daraxonrasib. The discovery follows years of development that began with a successful drug candidate identification in 2010.
Timeline
2010: Shokat identified a drug candidate that gripped KRAS.
2013: Shokat published the KRAS G12C blocking discovery.
2021: FDA approved a KRAS G12C lung cancer inhibitor.
May 2026: Revolution Medicines announced Phase III trial results.
August 2026: FDA approved the drug daraxonrasib.
Across the Bay
This achievement follows the precedent of the 2021 FDA approval for lung cancer inhibitors, which established the regulatory framework for targeting the G12C mutation. Shokat’s work expands that breakthrough into the historically difficult-to-treat landscape of pancreatic cancer.
Patients with KRAS-driven pancreatic cancer may now consult their oncologists regarding the availability of daraxonrasib following its August 2026 approval. Families seeking clinical information should follow announcements from UCSF regarding ongoing oncology research updates.
The takeaway
The successful targeting of the KRAS gene represents a major shift from managing symptoms to addressing the underlying molecular drivers of cancer. Residents should watch for upcoming oncology symposiums where UCSF researchers frequently present updates on drug application outcomes.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest research and local progress in our Cancer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by OncLive.
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