FDA Fast-tracks Pancreatic Cancer Drug Daraxonrasib
Family and emergency medicine physician Dr. Janette Nesheiwat discussed on Fox Report how artificial intelligence might play a role in early detection of pancreatic cancer, alongside the FDA’s decision to fast-track the drug daraxonrasib.
In a recent study, yoga, long recognized for its benefits in relaxation and flexibility, has now been suggested to enhance the quality of life for cancer survivors. A randomized trial from the University of Rochester Medical Center indicated that a four-week yoga program notably reduced symptoms like insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, and mood disturbances following cancer treatment.
This research was presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting held in Chicago.
The investigation involved around 410 adult cancer survivors—mostly breast cancer survivors—who had not engaged in regular yoga practice for at least three months prior to the study. Participants were divided randomly into two groups: one receiving standard care alone while the other combined it with the Yoga for Cancer Survivors (YOCAS) program.
The YOCAS program consisted of two instructor-led yoga classes each week, featuring 18 poses from Gentle Hatha and Restorative yoga, along with breathing exercises and mindfulness training.
Interestingly, survivors who participated in yoga reported “moderate-to-large” decreases in mood disturbances, “small-to-medium” reductions in anxiety, and “medium-to-large” improvements in fatigue based on patient questionnaires. Researchers connected these mood and fatigue improvements to enhanced sleep quality.
Lead investigator Yuri Choi, PhD, expressed to Fox News Digital that cancer survivors now have an option to mitigate lingering effects of their treatment without resorting to additional medication. Remarkably, the study did not uncover any major safety concerns associated with yoga practice.
However, it should be noted that the findings are preliminary and await peer review for wider medical consensus. Choi pointed to differences in the study’s sample size, emphasizing that most participants were women and primarily breast cancer patients, hinting at a need for diverse participation in future studies.
Adapting their intervention, the team plans to reach more cancer survivors, including the development of a mobile app to assist those in rural areas. The study excluded patients with metastatic cancer, and considering it lasted only four weeks, further research is needed to explore long-term impacts.
If confirmed through peer-reviewed studies, these findings might prompt recommendations for structured yoga programs aimed at providing non-drug support for cancer survivors. Choi mentioned that different studios might use varying names for similar yoga types, recommending survivors seek certified instructors experienced with cancer patients.
Finally, the research did not explore the safety or benefits of other yoga varieties, such as heated or high-energy styles. Support for the study came from the National Cancer Institute.
