Metastatic RET-fusion Non Small Cell Lung Cancer

Metastatic RET-Fusion Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a form of cancer that begins in the lung tissues and can spread to other parts of the body. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common form of lung cancer, and metastatic RET-fusion NSCLC is a form of NSCLC which is characterized by a fusion of two genes, RET and another gene.

In metastatic RET-fusion NSCLC, the two genes fuse together and become a single gene. This single gene then encodes a mutant fusion protein called RET-fusion. This fusion protein has an inherent oncogenic property, meaning it has the potential to cause cancer. The mutant fusion protein then produces certain proteins and growth factors which lead to uncontrolled tumor growth, thus resulting in the development of metastatic RET-fusion NSCLC.

The diagnosis of metastatic RET-fusion NSCLC is made by using a variety of methods such as imaging tests (computerized tomography, or CT, scans; positron emission tomography, or PET, scans; and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans), sputum cytology (examination of a sample of sputum under a microscope), and a tissue biopsy (removal of a small piece of tissue for examination).

Treatment options available for metastatic RET-fusion NSCLC include targeted therapies, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Additionally, clinical trials are available in order to find the most suitable treatment for each patient.

Targeted Therapies

Targeted therapies are drugs or other substances that specifically target the cancer cells without damaging the nearby normal cells. These therapies work by blocking the particular genes, proteins, or other molecules which allow the cancer cells to grow and divide.

Some of the targeted therapies used to treat metastatic RET-fusion NSCLC include alectinib, cabozantinib, and vandetanib. Additionally, clinical trials are available in order to find the most suitable targeted therapy for each patient.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It works by damaging the DNA of the cancer cells, thus preventing them from growing and dividing further. Chemotherapy may be given as a single drug or in combination with other drugs.

Some of the chemotherapy drugs used to treat metastatic RET-fusion NSCLC include gemcitabine, docetaxel, and pemetrexed.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays, such as X-rays or protons, to damage the cancer cells and prevent them from growing and dividing anymore. It may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy and/or targeted therapies.

Radiation therapy is generally used to shrink a tumor before or after surgery, to relieve symptoms such as pain or difficulty breathing, or to treat advanced stages of the disease.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is the use of drugs to stimulate the patient’s own immune system to fight off the cancer cells. This therapy is typically used in combination with chemotherapy or targeted therapies.

Some of the immunotherapy drugs used to treat metastatic RET-fusion NSCLC include nivolumab, atezolizumab, and durvalumab. Additionally, clinical trials are available in order to find the most suitable immunotherapy for each patient.