What is adagrasib?

What is adagrasib?

Adagrasib is an oral prescription targeted therapy designed for cancer patients with a KRAS G12C mutation. It is not a chemotherapy drug; instead, it works by precisely blocking the abnormal KRAS G12C protein to inhibit tumor cell growth signals. Patients can take this medication at home without needing hospitalization. In healthy lung cells, the KRAS protein acts like a "switch" that controls cell growth and division. However, when a KRAS G12C mutation occurs, this switch gets stuck in the "on" position, causing uncontrolled cell proliferation and tumor formation. Adagrasib works by finding and turning off this abnormal switch, thereby stopping cancer progression.

What cancers is adagrasib used for?

Adagrasib is approved to treat two types of advanced solid tumors:

1. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): For adult patients with KRAS G12C mutation-positive advanced NSCLC whose disease has progressed after at least one prior systemic therapy (such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy). These patients have cancer that has spread to other parts of the body or cannot be removed by surgery.

2. Colorectal cancer (CRC): In combination with another prescription drug, cetuximab, for adult patients with KRAS G12C mutation-positive advanced CRC who have previously received three different types of chemotherapy (including fluoropyrimidines, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan). Cetuximab is given by intravenous infusion, usually once weekly or every two weeks.

Before using adagrasib, your doctor will perform biomarker testing on tumor tissue or blood to confirm whether your cancer carries the KRAS G12C mutation. The safety and effectiveness of this drug in children have not been established.

Key facts about the KRAS G12C mutation

KRAS G12C is one of the most common driver mutations in lung cancer and colorectal cancer. In non-small cell lung cancer, KRAS G12C mutations account for a certain proportion of all KRAS mutations; in colorectal cancer, approximately 1 in 30 patients carries this mutation. This mutation causes the KRAS protein to remain constantly activated, continuously sending growth signals to cells and ultimately forming tumors. Knowing your mutation status is critical because only patients with this mutation are likely to benefit from adagrasib treatment. Biomarker testing can help your doctor develop the most appropriate personalized treatment plan. If you have not been tested for KRAS G12C, please talk to your doctor proactively.