FDA Approves New Pancreatic Cancer Drug

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new drug, Rasonque (daraxonrasib), for treating advanced pancreatic cancer. Developed by Revolution Medicines, the drug offers new hope for patients who have not responded to prior treatments such as chemotherapy.

Recent clinical trials involving 500 participants showed promising results. Patients receiving Rasonque in combination with standard chemotherapy lived an average of 13.2 months. This is about double the survival time compared to those receiving chemotherapy alone.

Dr. Rachna Shroff from the University of Arizona Cancer Center expressed her excitement about the trial’s outcomes. She described the findings as unprecedented, highlighting the potential impact of the drug on pancreatic cancer treatment.

Rasonque does have some side effects. Patients reported a blistering rash, sores in the mouth and throat, vomiting, and diarrhea. Former Senator Ben Sasse, a trial participant, described the rash as severe during a podcast appearance.

“Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. and the deadliest of all cancers,” said Channing Der, a pharmacologist at the University of North Carolina.

Rasonque targets a mutation in the KRAS gene found in many pancreatic, lung, colorectal, ovarian, and other types of cancers. This mutation causes uncontrolled cell growth by remaining stuck in the “on” position. Previous attempts to address this mutation faced challenges until now.

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging types of cancer to treat. It often goes undiagnosed until advanced stages due to vague early symptoms, contributing to a low five-year survival rate of 8% for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, the most common form.

Over 67,000 new pancreatic cancer cases are anticipated in the United States this year. Since May, more than 2,000 patients have already accessed Rasonque under an expanded access program. The cost of the drug has not been disclosed.