Selpercatinib is a medicine used to treat certain types of cancer. It's a targeted therapy, which means it targets specific molecules in cancer cells to stop them from growing and spreading.
This medicine is mainly used for people with a type of cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Specifically, it's for those who have a specific change, or mutation, in their genes called RET fusion or RET mutations. These mutations can make cancer cells grow faster and spread to other parts of the body.
Selpercatinib works by blocking the activity of a protein called RET. When RET is mutated, it sends signals to cancer cells to grow and divide uncontrollably. By blocking RET, selpercatinib helps stop the cancer cells from growing and spreading.
Doctors usually prescribe selpercatinib when other treatments haven't worked or if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. It comes in the form of capsules that you take by mouth, usually once or twice a day, depending on your doctor's instructions.
Before starting selpercatinib, our doctor will likely do tests to make sure it's the right treatment for you. They might check if you have the specific mutations that selpercatinib targets. They'll also monitor you closely while you're taking the medicine to see how your body responds and if you experience any side effects.
Like all medicines, selpercatinib can cause side effects. Common side effects include tiredness, constipation, muscle or joint pain, high blood pressure, and changes in liver function tests. Some people may also experience more serious side effects, such as problems with their heart rhythm or bleeding in the stomach or intestines. It's important to tell our doctor if you experience any side effects while taking selpercatinib.
In some cases, your doctor may need to adjust your dose or temporarily stop treatment if you experience side effects. It's essential to follow our doctor's instructions closely and to communicate with them about any concerns or changes in your health.
Overall, selpercatinib is an important treatment option for people with certain types of cancer, particularly those with NSCLC and specific genetic mutations. It offers hope for patients who may not have responded well to other treatments and can help improve quality of life by slowing down the progression of the disease. However, like all cancer treatments, it's essential to weigh the benefits against the potential risks and to work closely with your healthcare team to determine the best treatment plan for you.
Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist
Selpercatinib
Selpercatinib is like a superhero medicine for certain types of cancer, especially one called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It's designed to fight against specific changes, or mutations, that happen in the genes of cancer cells. These mutations can make the cancer cells grow and spread out of control.
The way selpercatinib works is by targeting a protein called RET. Think of RET as the boss of the cancer cells. When RET gets messed up due to those mutations, it tells the cancer cells to keep multiplying and spreading, causing trouble in the body.
But here comes selpercatinib to the rescue! It's like a shield that blocks RET from sending those bad signals to the cancer cells. So, when the cancer cells don't get those signals, they can't grow and spread like they used to. This helps slow down the cancer and gives the body a chance to fight back.
Selpercatinib usually comes in the form of little capsules that you take by mouth, kind of like swallowing a small pill. You might need to take it once or twice a day, depending on what your doctor thinks is best for you.
Of course, like any superhero, selpercatinib can have side effects. Some people might feel tired, or they could have tummy troubles like constipation. It might also affect things like blood pressure or how well your liver works. But don't worry—your doctor will keep an eye on you and help you manage any side effects that pop up.
Overall, selpercatinib is a pretty cool medicine that gives hope to people battling certain types of cancer. It's not a cure, but it can be a powerful weapon in the fight against cancer, helping to keep it under control and improve quality of life.
Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist