Selpercatinib-induced Acalculous Cholecystitis in an Elderly Patient with RET Fusion-positive Non-small Cell Lung

Takeru Ichikawa1, Ken Sato1, Yuto Sasano1

  • 1Department of Respiratory Medicine, NHO Okayama Medical Center, Japan.

PubMed

Insights

Reduced-dose selpercatinib showed efficacy in an 84-year-old with RET-fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the patient developed acalculous cholecystitis, highlighting the need for careful monitoring in elderly patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Effectiveness of selpercatinib in geriatric patients with RET-fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is not well-documented.
  • Selpercatinib is a targeted therapy for RET-altered cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of reduced-dose selpercatinib treatment in an elderly patient with KIF5B-RET fusion-positive NSCLC.
  • To highlight the efficacy and potential adverse events of selpercatinib in geriatric oncology.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of an 84-year-old female patient with KIF5B-RET fusion-positive NSCLC.
  • Administration of reduced-dose selpercatinib.
  • Monitoring for treatment response and adverse events.

Main Results:

  • The patient achieved a significant tumor response with reduced-dose selpercatinib.
  • The patient developed acalculous cholecystitis, a previously unreported adverse event associated with selpercatinib.
  • Discontinuation of selpercatinib was necessary due to the adverse event.

Conclusions:

  • Selpercatinib demonstrates potential efficacy in elderly patients with RET-fusion-positive NSCLC.
  • Acalculous cholecystitis is a potential severe adverse event of selpercatinib.
  • Personalized dose management and vigilant monitoring are crucial for geriatric patients receiving selpercatinib.