The drug is for people with pancreatic adenocarcinoma that has spread to other parts of the body.
It is used when patients have already tried at least one other therapy or cannot take strong combination cancer treatments.
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma starts in the cells lining the ducts of the pancreas. It accounts for most cases of pancreatic cancer. This type of cancer is often hard to treat because it is usually caught late and grows quickly. Rasonque is a daily tablet that blocks a family of proteins called RAS. These proteins function as key drivers of tumor growth in most people with this disease. By blocking RAS, the medicine helps stop cancer cells from growing.
Why Was It Approved?
The approval was based on a study of 500 adults with advanced pancreatic cancer that had spread. Half of the patients took Rasonque once a day, and the other half received standard chemotherapy treatments.
What Do I Need to Know?
Rasonque is taken by mouth as a whole tablet once a day, with or without food. Do not chew, crush, or split the tablets. Skin reactions like rashes, dry skin, and itching are very common and can be severe. Healthcare providers recommend using skin creams, limiting time in the sun, and wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to help protect your skin. Rasonque can also cause severe mouth sores or diarrhea. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get severe stomach pain, a new cough, or trouble breathing, as these can be signs of rare but serious complications.
