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Molecular pathogenesis and therapeutic advances in RET fusion-positive papillary thyroid carcinoma

delete2026-02-01
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PRE
AI
Y
Yuqing Wei
Y
Yan Zhang
Z
Zongjing Zhang
W
Wang, Yayun *
P
Peifeng Li *
DOI:10.1016/j.prp.2026.156407delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Thyroid cancer represents the fastest-growing endocrine malignancy worldwide, with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) being its predominant pathological subtype. RET fusion is a key driver genetic alteration in PTC, closely associated with enhanced tumor invasiveness and poorer prognosis in some cohorts. This review systematically summarizes the molecular pathogenesis of RET fusion-positive PTC, encompassing the structure and function of the RET proto-oncogene and its encoded protein, the molecular characteristics of fusion events (predominantly CCDC6-RET and NCOA4-RET), the mechanisms underlying sustained activation of classical signaling pathways, and the novel regulatory mechanism of liquid-liquid phase separation. Furthermore, the review elaborates on the clinical efficacy of highly selective RET inhibitors (selpercatinib and pralsetinib), including their breakthroughs in pediatric patients and radioactive iodine-refractory cases. Primary and acquired resistance mechanisms (on-target mutations, bypass activation) and corresponding strategies (next-generation inhibitors, combination therapies) are also analyzed. By integrating recent advances in basic and clinical research, this review provides a comprehensive reference for the precision diagnosis and treatment, mechanistic investigation, and drug development for RET fusion-positive PTC.
Keywords:
Papillary thyroid carcinoma
RET fusion
CCDC6-RET fusion
NCOA4-RET fusion

Journal

P
Pathology Research and Practice
IF:
3.2
Papers:
463
Citations:
9.8K

Organization

J
jinzhou medical university
Scholars:
458
Papers: 163
Citations: 0