Former Sen. Ben Sasse, 54, has revealed that an experimental drug for pancreatic cancer has shrunk his tumors by 76% but causes severe side effects, including bleeding from his face. Sasse, diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in December 2025, was given a three-to-four-month life expectancy but has surpassed that timeline due to the drug daraxonrasib, developed by Revolution Medicines. The treatment is part of a fast-track clinical trial under the FDA’s national priority voucher initiative.
Sasse shared his experience in an interview with The New York Times, appearing with visible bleeding on his face. He described the drug as "nasty," causing his body to struggle to grow new skin, leading to bleeding from multiple areas. Despite the side effects, the treatment has significantly reduced his pain and extended his life beyond initial projections.
The drug targets RAS mutations, which are present in about 90% of pancreatic cancer cases. While it has shown promise in shrinking tumors, it also affects normal RAS proteins in the skin, leading to severe rashes and bleeding. Revolution Medicines reports that most rash cases are low-grade, with no patients discontinuing treatment due to side effects. However, Sasse’s experience highlights the challenges of balancing efficacy with tolerability in cancer treatments.
Sasse’s case has drawn attention to the potential of daraxonrasib as a breakthrough in pancreatic cancer treatment, which has a low five-year survival rate of 13%. The drug’s success in clinical trials has boosted Revolution Medicines’ stock and made it a prime acquisition target. Sasse’s public sharing of his journey has also sparked discussions about the ethical and emotional aspects of dying in public.