13. Pralsetinib: Targeting RET More Precisely
Like Selpercatinib, Pralsetinib is a selective RET inhibitor that provides another therapeutic option for patients with RET-altered thyroid cancers. It’s designed to target and block the activity of RET proteins, which play a role in cell growth and division. In some thyroid cancers, a mutation or fusion involving the RET gene can lead to continuous activation of this pathway, promoting cancerous growth.
Pralsetinib has shown efficacy in managing both medullary thyroid cancer and differentiated thyroid cancer harboring RET alterations. The significant responses observed in clinical trials, coupled with a manageable safety profile, make it a valuable addition to the thyroid cancer treatment landscape.
As with other targeted therapies, side effects can occur with Pralsetinib, including constipation, hypertension, and fatigue. However, these are typically manageable and considered an acceptable trade-off for its therapeutic benefits. The advent of Pralsetinib provides further evidence of the benefits of precision medicine in thyroid cancer, highlighting the potential of targeted therapies in improving patient outcomes. (13)
