Selpercatinib for Solid Tumors and Lymphomas
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests the effectiveness of selpercatinib (RETEVMO) for individuals with advanced solid tumors, lymphomas, or specific disorders with certain genetic changes. The main goal is to determine if selpercatinib can shrink tumors by blocking cancer cell growth. Suitable participants have tumors with specific genetic alterations affecting the RET pathway and have not previously received selpercatinib or similar drugs. As a Phase 2 trial, the research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group of participants.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial requires that you stop taking certain medications before joining. You cannot be on other anti-cancer agents, investigational drugs, or medications that affect the CYP3A4 enzyme. If you are on corticosteroids, you need to be on a stable or decreasing dose for at least 7 days before enrolling.
Is there any evidence suggesting that selpercatinib is likely to be safe for humans?
Research has shown that selpercatinib, the treatment in this trial, has a well-known safety record. In earlier studies, side effects were manageable, allowing most patients to continue treatment with some dose adjustments if needed. Importantly, the FDA has already approved selpercatinib for treating certain thyroid cancers in adults and teenagers, indicating a recognized level of safety for similar conditions. Overall, selpercatinib is a targeted therapy designed to stop cancer cells from growing by focusing on specific genetic changes. This targeted approach often helps control side effects.12345
Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising?
Researchers are excited about selpercatinib because it offers a novel approach to treating solid tumors and lymphomas. Unlike standard treatments, which often rely on chemotherapy or radiation, selpercatinib specifically targets and inhibits the RET (rearranged during transfection) kinase, a protein that can drive cancer growth in some patients. This targeted mechanism means selpercatinib has the potential to be more effective and less toxic than traditional therapies. Additionally, its oral administration makes it more convenient for patients compared to some existing treatments that require intravenous delivery.
What evidence suggests that selpercatinib might be an effective treatment for solid tumors and lymphomas?
Research has shown that selpercatinib may help treat certain cancers with changes in the RET gene. One study found that 44% of patients with RET fusion-positive solid tumors experienced tumor shrinkage, with some tumors disappearing completely. The treatment also demonstrated long-lasting effects, indicating that benefits can persist over time. Selpercatinib has already received approval for some uses, proving its effectiveness for certain cancer types. These findings suggest that selpercatinib could be a valuable option for patients with specific genetic changes in their tumors. Participants in this trial will receive selpercatinib as part of the study treatment.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Andrea T Franson
Principal Investigator
Children's Oncology Group
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for children and young adults up to 21 years old with advanced solid tumors, lymphomas, or histiocytic disorders that have specific RET gene changes. They must be in good physical condition with adequate organ function and not have been treated with selpercatinib before. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those who've had major surgery recently, or are on certain medications affecting the immune system can't participate.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive selpercatinib orally twice daily on days 1-28. Treatment repeats every 28 days for up to 26 cycles (2 years) in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment completion, with follow-up for 30 days and periodically thereafter.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Selpercatinib
Selpercatinib is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:
- RET fusion-positive or RET mutant thyroid cancers
- non-small cell lung cancer
- advanced or metastatic medullary thyroid cancer
- advanced or metastatic thyroid cancer with RET gene fusion
- locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors with RET gene fusion
- RET-driven non-small cell lung cancer
- medullary thyroid cancer
- thyroid cancer
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Lead Sponsor
Children's Oncology Group
Collaborator