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Durable Response to Selpercatinib in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Harboring a Novel TIMM23B::RET Fusion: A Case
Ziyan Tong1,2, Mengyuan Yang1,2, Shanshan Weng1,2
1Department of Medical Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China.
Abstract:
RET fusions are rare but actionable oncogenic drivers in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), occurring in a small molecular subset with limited clinical evidence for selective RET inhibition. We report a 77-year-old woman with mCRC harboring a rare TIMM23B::RET fusion who achieved durable benefit from selpercatinib after progression on capecitabine. Molecular profiling showed RAS/BRAF wild-type, microsatellite-stable disease with a TIMM23B::RET fusion. Selpercatinib induced a marked decline in tumor markers and a sustained partial response on serial imaging. Treatment was complicated by grade 3 hepatotoxicity, requiring temporary interruption and dose reduction to 80 mg twice daily. Despite this, disease control was maintained without further grade ≥ 3 toxicity. At the time of writing, the patient remains on treatment with progression-free survival exceeding 14 months. To our knowledge, this is among the first detailed reports of mCRC harboring a TIMM23B::RET fusion with documented clinical benefit from selpercatinib. This case highlights the value of comprehensive genomic profiling and individualized toxicity management in rare molecular subsets of mCRC.
Insights
A rare TIMM23B::RET fusion in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) responded durably to selpercatinib. This case highlights comprehensive genomic profiling and individualized toxicity management for rare molecular subsets.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- RET fusions are rare oncogenic drivers in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).
- Limited clinical evidence exists for selective RET inhibition in mCRC.
- Actionable molecular alterations necessitate targeted therapies.
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