Rearranged during transfection (RET) lung cancer - Update on targeted therapies

W J Mullally1, C G O'Leary2, K J O'Byrne3

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia.

PubMed

Insights

Targeted therapies, including selective RET inhibitors (SRIs), have transformed non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment for patients with RET fusions. Ongoing trials explore next-generation inhibitors for improved outcomes and overcoming resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) oncogenesis involves complex molecular pathways.
  • The rearranged during transfection (RET) proto-oncogene plays a role in development and is implicated in 1-2% of NSCLC cases.
  • Targeted therapies have advanced personalized treatment for NSCLC with actionable mutations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the progress of targeted therapies for NSCLC with RET alterations.
  • To highlight the efficacy and tolerability of selective RET inhibitors (SRIs) compared to multikinase inhibitors (MKIs).
  • To discuss ongoing research into next-generation SRIs for overcoming resistance and improving patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of targeted therapies for NSCLC with RET alterations.
  • Analysis of clinical trial data for selective RET inhibitors (SRIs) like selpercatinib and pralsetinib.
  • Examination of emerging research on next-generation SRIs and their potential applications.

Main Results:

  • Selective RET inhibitors (SRIs) have significantly improved patient outcomes in NSCLC with RET fusions, offering deep and durable responses.
  • SRIs demonstrate superior efficacy and tolerability compared to older multikinase inhibitors (MKIs).
  • Clinical trials are investigating the use of SRIs in neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings.

Conclusions:

  • Selective RET inhibitors (SRIs) represent a major advancement in personalized medicine for NSCLC patients with RET alterations.
  • Next-generation SRIs are under development to address resistance mechanisms and further enhance treatment efficacy and safety.
  • Continued research in targeted therapies holds promise for improving long-term outcomes in NSCLC.