Information for the public
Selpercatinib (Retsevmo) is available on the NHS for people 12 years and over. It is a possible treatment for:
- RET fusion-positive advanced thyroid cancer when:
- radioactive iodine has not worked (if it is appropriate), and
- systemic treatment is needed after sorafenib or lenvatinib.
- RET-mutant medullary advanced thyroid cancer, if systemic treatment is needed after cabozantinib or vandetanib.
Advanced cancer is cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Systemic treatments are medicines that work throughout the whole body. They can include injections, infusions or medicines taken by mouth. Sorafenib, lenvatinib, cabozantinib and vandetanib are targeted cancer drugs.
If you are not eligible for selpercatinib but are already having it, you should be able to continue until you and your healthcare professional decide when best to stop.
Is this treatment right for me?
Your healthcare professionals should give you clear information, talk with you about your options and listen carefully to your views and concerns. Your family can be involved too, if you wish. See our webpage on making decisions about your care.
Questions to think about
- How well does it work compared with other treatments?
- What are the risks or side effects? How likely are they?
- How will the treatment affect my day-to-day life?
- What happens if the treatment does not work?
- What happens if I do not want to have treatment? Are there other treatments available?
Information and support
The NHS webpage on thyroid cancer may be a good place to find out more.
These organisations can give you advice and support:
- AMEND, info@amend.org.uk
- Cancer Research UK, 0808 800 4040
- Macmillan Cancer Support, 0808808 0000
You can also get support from your local Healthwatch.
NICE is not responsible for the quality or accuracy of any information or advice provided by these organisations.
ISBN: 978-1-4731-6513-7
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