Retevmo

• Retevmo (selpercatinib) is a targeted therapy specifically designed to inhibit the rearranged during transfection (RET) kinase.
• It is approved for treating certain cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer, medullary thyroid cancer, and other thyroid cancers, all characterized by specific RET gene alterations.
• The medication works by blocking the activity of abnormal RET proteins, which helps to stop or slow cancer cell growth.
• Dosage is individualized and determined by a healthcare professional, typically taken orally twice daily.
• Patients should be aware of potential side effects and discuss all drug information with their doctor before starting treatment.

What is Retevmo?

Retevmo (selpercatinib) is a prescription medicine used to treat certain cancers that are caused by abnormal rearranged during transfection (RET) genes. It belongs to a class of drugs known as kinase inhibitors, which are designed to specifically target and block the activity of certain enzymes (kinases) that play a role in cancer growth. This targeted approach allows Retevmo to interfere with the specific molecular pathways driving the cancer, offering a more precise treatment strategy for eligible patients.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Retevmo for use in patients whose tumors have specific RET gene fusions or mutations. Identifying these genetic alterations typically requires comprehensive genomic testing of the tumor tissue. This ensures that the treatment is administered to patients who are most likely to benefit from its specific mechanism of action.

How Retevmo Works and Its Uses

Retevmo works by selectively inhibiting the rearranged during transfection (RET) kinase. In certain cancers, the RET gene can undergo fusions or mutations, leading to the production of abnormal RET proteins. These abnormal proteins are constitutively active, meaning they are always “on,” and they send continuous signals that drive uncontrolled cell growth and division, characteristic of cancer. By binding to and blocking these abnormal RET proteins, Retevmo effectively shuts down these growth signals, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells.

The primary Retevmo uses and dosage indications include specific types of cancer that test positive for RET gene alterations. These include:

• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a RET gene fusion.
• Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) with a RET gene mutation or fusion.
• Other types of thyroid cancer (anaplastic thyroid cancer, differentiated thyroid cancer) with a RET gene fusion, that have progressed following prior treatment and are radioactive iodine-refractory (if radioactive iodine is appropriate).

This targeted mechanism makes Retevmo a valuable option for patients whose cancers are driven by these specific genetic changes, offering a more personalized approach to cancer treatment.

Retevmo Dosage and Important Drug Information

The appropriate dosage of Retevmo is determined by a healthcare professional based on the individual patient’s medical condition, body surface area, and response to treatment. It is typically administered orally, usually twice daily, with or without food. Patients should follow their doctor’s instructions precisely regarding dosage and administration. It is crucial not to adjust the dose or stop taking the medication without consulting a healthcare provider.

Comprehensive Retevmo drug information includes details on potential side effects, drug interactions, and necessary monitoring during treatment. Common side effects can include fatigue, elevated liver enzymes, hypertension (high blood pressure), diarrhea, and dry mouth. More serious side effects, though less common, can occur, such as severe liver problems, interstitial lung disease, and prolonged QT interval. Regular monitoring through blood tests and other evaluations is essential to manage potential side effects and ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.

Before starting Retevmo, patients should inform their doctor about all existing medical conditions, especially liver or kidney problems, heart conditions, or high blood pressure. They should also disclose all other medications, supplements, and herbal products they are taking to avoid potential drug interactions. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should discuss the risks with their doctor, as Retevmo can cause harm to an unborn baby or breastfed infant.