REThinking the role of the RET oncogene in breast cancer.

The REarranged during Transfection (RET) receptor tyrosine kinase plays a crucial role in the development of various anatomical structures during embryogenesis and it is involved in many physiological cellular processes. This protein is also associated with the initiation of various cancer types, such as thyroid cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and multiple endocrine neoplasms. In breast cancer, and especially in the estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) subtype, the activity of RET is of notable importance. Indeed, RET seems to be involved in tumor progression, resistance to therapies, and cellular proliferation. Nevertheless, the ways RET alterations could impact the prognosis of breast cancer and its response to treatment remain only partially elucidated. Several inhibitors of RET kinase have been developed thus far, with various degrees of selectivity toward RET inhibition. These molecules showed notable efficacy in the treatment of RET-driven tumors, including some breast cancer cases. Despite these encouraging results, further investigation is needed to fully understand the potential role RET inhibition in breast cancer. This review aims to recapitulate the existing evidence about the role of RET oncogene in breast cancer, from its pathogenic and potentially prognostic role, to the clinical applications of RET inhibitors.
Competing Interests: FM advisory role and honoraria from Amgen; Daiichi-Sankyo; Eli-Lilly; Gilead; GSK; Novartis; Pfizer; Roche. Support for travels and accommodations from Eli-Lilly; Gilead; Pfizer; Roche; Sophos. MG advisory role and honoraria from AstraZeneca, Daichii Sankyo, Eisai, Exact Sciences, Gilead, Lilly, Menarini Stemline; MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Seagen. Support for travels and accommodations from Lilly, Pfizer, AstraZeneca. Research funding to the institution from AstraZeneca. PV advisory role and honoraria from Astra-Zeneca; Daiichi-Sankyo; Eli-Lilly; Gilead; Incyte; Istituto Gentili; Novartis; Pfizer; Roche; Seagen; Teva. Support for travel and accommodation from Daiichi-Sankyo; Eli-Lilly; Novartis. Research funding to the institution from Novartis and AstraZeneca. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
(Copyright © 2024 Di Grazia, Conti, Nucera, Motta, Martorana, Stella, Massimino, Giuliano and Vigneri.)