Rearranged during transfection (RET) lung cancer – Update on targeted therapies

The enhanced comprehension of the molecular pathways underpinning oncogenesis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has led to the advancement of personalized treatment for individuals with actionable mutations using targeted therapies. The rearranged during transfection (RET) proto-oncogene, is critical in the embryonic development of various tissues, including renal, neural, and neuroendocrine tissue. RET fusions have been observed in approximately 1–2% of NSCLC cases. Targeted therapies for NSCLC with RET alterations have progressed significantly over the past decade. While multikinase inhibitors (MKIs) faced limitations in efficacy and tolerability, the introduction of selective RET inhibitors (SRIs) such as selpercatininb and pralsetinib has transformed patient outcomes, resulting in deep and durable responses. Ongoing clinical trials are exploring their potential benefits in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant setting. Early phase clinical trials endeavor to demonstrate next-generation selective RET inhibitors can effectively overcome SRI resistance mechanisms, offer improved safety profiles, and enhance patient outcomes.