Accessing Selpercatinib (Retevmo/Retsevmo) for RET-Positive Cancers

Key Takeaways

• Retevmo and Retsevmo are different spellings of the same drug, Selpercatinib.
• It is used to treat cancers with RET gene mutations, including NSCLC and thyroid cancers.
• Patients should consult healthcare providers to determine if they qualify for this precision therapy based on genetic testing.
• Patients, clinicians, or hospitals looking to buy Retsevmo in India can do so through the Indian Pharma Network (IPN), a trusted source for this medication. By offering access to this advanced therapy, IPN ensures timely availability for those who need it.

In recent years, advances in cancer research have paved the way for targeted therapies that deliver effective treatments with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. One such breakthrough is Selpercatinib, marketed under the brand name Retevmo in the U.S. and Retsevmo outside the U.S. (in regions such as the European Union, Switzerland, Japan, and Canada). Selpercatinib is a highly selective RET kinase inhibitor, designed specifically to target cancer cells with genetic mutations involving the RET gene.

What Is Selpercatinib?

Selpercatinib is an FDA-approved drug that plays a critical role in blocking the RET protein, which, when mutated, can lead to the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells. This medication is specifically approved for patients who have tested positive for RET gene alterations, making it a personalized and effective treatment option for certain cancers.

This therapeutic drug is supplied in capsule form containing Selpercatinib 40 mg/80 mg (Retsevmo). It is the first therapy approved for patients with RET-driven tumors

FDA Approvals and Usage:
Selpercatinib has gained approval in multiple countries, including the U.S., for treating adult patients with metastatic rearranged during transfection (RET) fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Additionally, it is approved for the treatment of both adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older who have advanced or metastatic RET-mutant medullary thyroid cancer (MTC).
For patients with advanced or metastatic RET fusion-positive thyroid cancer who are radioactive iodine-refractory (in cases where radioactive iodine therapy is appropriate), Selpercatinib offers a viable treatment option.

How Does Selpercatinib Work?

RET gene alterations, such as fusions or mutations, drive the growth of various types of cancers. Retsevmo-Selpercatinib 40 mg/80 mg works by inhibiting the activity of the abnormal RET kinase protein, blocking the signals that encourage cancer cells to multiply uncontrollably. This targeted mechanism slows the progression of RET-positive cancers, making it an effective option for patients with certain types of lung and thyroid cancer.

Conditions Treated by Selpercatinib:
Selpercatinib has shown efficacy in treating a range of cancers that exhibit RET gene alterations, specifically:

• RET fusion-positive NSCLC (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer): A subtype of lung cancer that occurs when the RET gene fuses with other genes, leading to cancerous growth.
• RET-mutant Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC): A rare type of thyroid cancer that originates from the parafollicular cells of the thyroid and involves specific mutations in the RET gene.
• RET fusion-positive Thyroid Cancer: Occurs when the RET gene fuses with other genes, leading to an aggressive form of thyroid cancer, often resistant to traditional radioactive iodine treatment.

Known Adverse Reactions or Side Effects of Selpercatinib:
The most common side effects of Selpercatinib 80 mg/40 mg (occurring in 20% or more of patients) include:

• dry mouth
• diarrhea or constipation
• nausea
• abdominal pain
• fatigue
• swelling in the arms or legs (edema)
• rash
• headache

Patients may also notice changes in lab results, such as increased liver enzymes, blood sugar, and cholesterol, as well as decreased white blood cell counts, calcium levels, and protein.

Serious Side Effects: More serious adverse reactions can occur, including:

• Liver injury (hepatotoxicity)
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• QT interval prolongation, which affects heart rhythm
• Bleeding (hemorrhage)

Special Precautions:
Selpercatinib (Retsevmo Capsules) can cause harm to unborn babies, so pregnant women or those planning pregnancy should avoid using it. Additionally, breastfeeding should be avoided during treatment.

Note: For a comprehensive list of side effects, consult the official prescribing information. Always discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.

Conclusion:
Selpercatinib (Retevmo/Retsevmo 40 mg/80 mg) is a selective and potent RET kinase inhibitor for patients with RET-positive cancers, offering a targeted approach to combatting aggressive cancer types. Approved by the FDA, it is an effective treatment for RET fusion-positive NSCLC, RET-mutant medullary thyroid cancer, and RET fusion-positive thyroid cancer. By targeting specific genetic mutations, Selpercatinib provides personalized, effective care for patients, improving survival rates and quality of life (QoL).

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with RET-positive cancer, speak with a healthcare professional to learn if Selpercatinib might be an appropriate treatment option.