What is Fruzaqla prescribed for?
Fruzaqla is prescribed for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who have been previously treated with fluoropyrimidine‑, oxaliplatin‑, and irinotecan‑based chemotherapy, an anti‑VEGF therapy, and, if RAS wild‑type and medically appropriate, an anti-EGFR therapy.
What is Fruzaqla and what does it do?
Fruzaqla, pronounced fru-zahk-la, (generic name: fruquintinib) is a medication designed to treat adults with metastatic colorectal cancer, which is cancer of the colon or rectum that has spread to other parts of the body.
It is specifically for patients who have already received several other types of cancer treatments but need additional options.
How does Fruzaqla work?
Kinase inhibitors, like Fruzaqla, are a type of medication that targets specific enzymes called kinases found in cancer cells.
These enzymes are important because they help cancer cells grow and spread. By blocking these enzymes, Fruzaqla can slow down the growth and spread of cancer, which helps to manage the disease more effectively.
This gives patients a better chance at controlling their cancer’s progression.
What did the research discover?
Clinical trials showed that Fruzaqla significantly helps patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
Patients taking Fruzaqla lived longer without their cancer getting worse compared to those who didn’t take it.
Specifically, one study showed patients on Fruzaqla lived about 9.3 months before their cancer worsened, while those on a placebo lived about 6.6 months.
What are some of the side effects?
- High blood pressure
- Bleeding
- Increased protein in the urine, indicating kidney issues
- Skin reactions on the hands and feet
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
What are the dosage recommendations and how is it prescribed?
Fruzaqla is taken as a capsule by mouth. The recommended dose is 5 mg once daily for the first 21 days of a 28-day cycle.
This schedule allows for a week off before starting the next cycle. It can be taken with or without food.
Source:
- Highlights of Prescribing Information for FRUZAQLA. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/217564s000lbl.pdf. Accessed 18 July 2024.
- Drug Trials Snapshots: FRUZAQLA. FDA. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approvals-and-databases/drug-trials-snapshots-fruzaqla. Accessed 18 July 2024.
