New pill approved for pancreatic cancer patients who have had chemotherapy

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Pancreatic cancer patients have another treatment option in Rasonque, a pill that doctors say is more effective than chemotherapy.Rasonque aims to block tumor growth. The drug is for patients who have already received at least one round of chemotherapy before taking the pill. It was approved July 26, and some patients began receiving it as soon as August.Physicians at Piedmont Columbus Regional said the drug is a step in the right direction. One doctor said 40 years ago there was no way to treat this type of cancer besides chemotherapy. The doctor said the pill is giving health care professionals and patients hope for the future.Local patients respond to treatmentTed Metcalfe is one of the first patients in Columbus approved for Rasonque, a pill aimed at slowing and stabilizing pancreatic cancer.“I felt better and I felt stronger and I cannot say enough about this because the chemotherapy was just not working,” Metcalfe said.Metcalfe said the medication has given