Selpercatinib (brand name Retevmo) is a medication used to treat certain types of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) and other types of rare tumors. It is a type of kinase inhibitor, which works by blocking certain proteins in the body that can help cancer cells grow and spread. Selpercatinib is approved for use in adults and children who are at least 12 years old.
Selpercatinib (brand name: Retacrit®) is a medication used for the treatment of specific types of lung cancer [1, 2]. Here's a breakdown of its key features:
Type of Drug:
- Selpercatinib is a targeted therapy medication, classified as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) [1].
How it Works:
- Lung cancer can be driven by mutations in specific genes. Selpercatinib targets these mutations by inhibiting proteins called tyrosine kinases that play a critical role in cancer cell growth and survival [1, 2].
- Specifically, it targets mutations in the RET gene.
Conditions Treated:
- Selpercatinib is approved for the treatment of adults with:
- Metastatic NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer): When the cancer has spread to other parts of the body [1]. This is for cases where the NSCLC has a specific RET gene mutation.
- Advanced or metastatic RET-mutant medullary thyroid cancer (MTC): A rare type of thyroid cancer [2].
Benefits:
- Selpercatinib can help shrink tumors and improve progression-free survival (time without the disease worsening) in patients with RET-mutation positive lung cancers and MTC [1, 2].
Dosage and Administration:
- Selpercatinib comes in tablets taken orally, typically once daily [1].
- The doctor will determine the appropriate dosage based on your individual needs and condition.
Side Effects:
- Common side effects of Selpercatinib can include [1, 2]:
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Rash
- High blood pressure
- Joint pain
Important Considerations:
- Selpercatinib is a targeted therapy medication meant for specific genetic mutations. Genetic testing is needed to confirm if you have a RET mutation that makes you eligible for this treatment [1].
- It can interact with other medications, so it's crucial to disclose your full medication list to your doctor before starting Selpercatinib.
- Selpercatinib may not be suitable for everyone and can cause serious side effects. It's essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take Selpercatinib due to potential risks to the developing baby [1].
If you have lung cancer or medullary thyroid cancer, talk to your doctor about whether genetic testing for RET mutations is appropriate for you. If the tests reveal a qualifying mutation, Selpercatinib may be a potential treatment option.
Here are some additional points to note:
- Selpercatinib is a relatively new medication, and long-term studies are ongoing to evaluate its efficacy and safety in various situations [1, 2].
- Other treatment options exist for lung cancer and MTC, and your doctor will recommend the best course of treatment based on your specific diagnosis, genetic profile, and overall health.