1. Researchers Hit an Elusive Target

Although many experts considered KRAS an “undruggable” target, the quest continued, as this signaling protein is a common driver of many types of cancer. In 2019, that work finally led to a breakthrough. In June, researchers reported that AMG 510, a drug targeting the KRASG12C mutation, showed good activity in a small study of people with lung cancer, colon cancer and other solid tumors. A second KRASG12C inhibitor, MRTX849, shrank tumors in 60% of lung cancer patients treated with the optimal dose. What’s more, a pan-KRAS inhibitor that targets multiple cancer-causing mutations is now in clinical trials.