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UCSF Researcher Awarded for KRAS Cancer Breakthrough

Kevan Shokat received the Stephenson Prize for his pioneering work targeting the KRAS gene in cancer patients.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Cancer

Isometric editorial illustration of a brass and steel molecular protein model, representing the structural scientific research behind the KRAS breakthrough.
UCSF researcher Kevan Shokat received the Stephenson Prize for his breakthrough identification of drug compounds targeting the previously 'undruggable' KRAS gene mutation. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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UCSF researcher Kevan Shokat has been awarded the Stephenson Prize for his breakthrough work in identifying drug compounds that target KRAS gene mutations. These mutations are responsible for 30% of all cancers and 90% of pancreatic cancer cases.

Why it matters

Targeting the KRAS gene is critical because it functions as a molecular switch that, when mutated, causes uncontrolled cell growth. Shokat's research transformed this previously "undruggable" target into a therapeutic reality for patients.

A Phase 3 clinical trial for the drug daraxonrasib demonstrated a survival time of 13 months for advanced pancreatic cancer patients, compared to a previous survival time of 6 months. This follows earlier FDA approvals for KRAS-targeting inhibitors.

The players

Kevan Shokat

He is a prominent researcher at UCSF whose work focused on drugging previously unaddressed cancer mutations.

Jim Wells

He is a scientist who collaborated with Kevan Shokat to identify the G12C mutation in KRAS as a target for drug compounds.

Revolution Medicines

This is a biopharmaceutical company that developed the drug daraxonrasib for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer.

UCSF

This is the University of California, San Francisco, a leading public research university and medical center.

The details

Shokat and colleague Jim Wells identified the G12C mutation as a viable target by using x-ray crystallography to map the protein shape. By utilizing tethers to attach drug candidates to the cysteine on the KRAS protein, the team effectively blocked the molecular switch.

Timeline

  1. 2010: Shokat identified a drug candidate that gripped KRAS.

  2. 2013: Shokat published the KRAS G12C blocking discovery.

  3. 2021: FDA approved a KRAS G12C lung cancer inhibitor.

  4. May 2026: Revolution Medicines announced Phase III trial results.

  5. August 2026: FDA approved the drug daraxonrasib.

The Big Picture

This discovery follows the trajectory set by the National Cancer Institute's RAS Initiative in prioritizing the study of KRAS-driven malignancies. By shifting the paradigm from "undruggable" to treatable, this work accelerates future targeted therapy developments.

The approval of daraxonrasib provides a new treatment option for patients previously facing significantly shorter survival outcomes. This advancement shifts the standard of care for those diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer.

The takeaway

Targeting specific genetic mutations is redefining how oncologists treat once-fatal diagnoses. Patients should discuss updated genetic testing and therapy eligibility with their oncology teams as new treatments emerge.

Further reading

For more information on recent advancements in oncology, visit the Cancer section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by OncLive.

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