Gavreto is a prescription medicine used to treat certain types of cancers caused by changes in a gene called RET (rearranged during transfection). Its active ingredient, pralsetinib, is a targeted therapy known as a RET kinase inhibitor. By blocking the RET pathway, Gavreto helps stop cancer cells from growing and spreading.
Doctors prescribe Gavreto for:
- Non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with RET fusions.
- Thyroid cancers that are RET fusion-positive or RET-mutant, including cases that no longer respond to radioactive iodine.
Gavreto is taken by mouth as capsules, usually once daily.
In this easy-to-read guide, you’ll learn what Gavreto is, how it works, who may receive it, how it’s taken, possible side effects, safety tips, and answers to frequently searched questions (dosing, monitoring, price, insurance support, and more).
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow the instructions from your oncology team.
What Is Gavreto?
- Brand name: Gavreto
- Generic name: Pralsetinib
- Drug type: Targeted cancer therapy (RET kinase inhibitor)
- Form: 100 mg oral capsules
Gavreto is not chemotherapy. Instead, it directly targets RET alterations that drive tumor growth. Patients must have their cancer tested for RET changes to confirm eligibility.
How Does Gavreto Work?
RET gene fusions or mutations act like a “stuck accelerator” for cancer cells. Gavreto:
- Blocks RET signaling inside cancer cells.
- Slows or stops tumor growth.
- May shrink tumors or keep them from spreading.
Because it acts selectively, Gavreto can often spare normal cells, but it may still cause important side effects (explained below).
Approved Uses of Gavreto
Doctors may prescribe Gavreto for:
1. Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
- Adults with metastatic RET fusion-positive NSCLC.
- Can be used whether or not you’ve had prior chemotherapy.
2. Thyroid Cancer
- Adults and children ≥12 years with advanced or metastatic RET-mutant medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) who need systemic therapy.
- RET fusion-positive thyroid cancers that no longer respond to radioactive iodine treatment.
Gavreto Dosage and Administration
- Standard dose: 400 mg (four 100 mg capsules) by mouth once daily.
- Take on an empty stomach: At least 2 hours before eating and 1 hour after.
- Do not crush or open capsules. Swallow whole with water.
Treatment continues until the cancer worsens or side effects require stopping.
If you miss a dose and it’s less than 6 hours to the next one, skip it—do not double up.
Side Effects of Gavreto
Common Side Effects
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Tiredness or weakness
- Swelling in hands, feet, or face
- Muscle or joint pain
- Cough or shortness of breath
- Fever
- Lab test changes (liver enzymes, blood counts, electrolytes)
Serious Side Effects (call your doctor right away)
- Lung problems (pneumonitis): new or worsening cough, fever, breathing issues
- High blood pressure
- Liver injury: yellow skin/eyes, dark urine, pain in the right side of belly
- Bleeding problems: unusual bruising, blood in stool or urine, severe headache
- Tumor lysis syndrome: nausea, confusion, irregular heartbeat (due to rapid tumor breakdown)
Safety Tips With Gavreto
- Monitoring: Your doctor will check blood pressure, liver tests, and blood counts regularly.
- Surgery: Stop Gavreto at least 5 days before planned surgery; ask when it is safe to restart.
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Can harm an unborn baby. Use contraception during treatment and for a short time after. Do not breastfeed while taking Gavreto.
- Fertility: Gavreto may affect the ability to have children in the future.
- Other medicines: Avoid certain drugs that strongly affect CYP3A enzymes (your care team will review your medication list).
Gavreto vs. Other Cancer Treatments
- Different from chemotherapy: It targets RET specifically instead of all fast-growing cells.
- Different from immunotherapy: It does not boost the immune system but blocks the RET driver.
- Similar to other targeted therapies: Like EGFR or ALK inhibitors, but used only if cancer has a RET alteration.
Cost and Access
- Gavreto is prescription-only.
- Costs vary by country, insurance, and treatment duration.
- Patient assistance programs may help with co-pays or provide access for uninsured patients.
- Speak with your healthcare team or pharmacist about financial support options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How do I know if Gavreto is right for me?
You need a lab test to confirm RET fusion or mutation. Only patients with RET-positive cancers benefit.
Q2. How long do I need to take Gavreto?
Treatment continues as long as it is working and side effects are manageable.
Q3. Can Gavreto cure my cancer?
Gavreto is not a cure, but it may shrink tumors or control cancer for a long time.
Q4. What if I miss a dose?
Skip the missed dose if it’s close to the next one. Never take two doses at once.
Q5. Can I drink alcohol on Gavreto?
Small amounts may be safe for some people, but alcohol can stress the liver. Always ask your doctor.
Final Thoughts
Gavreto (pralsetinib) is a modern targeted therapy designed for patients whose cancers are driven by RET alterations. By blocking RET activity, it can help control lung and thyroid cancers more effectively than older, non-specific treatments.
Success with Gavreto depends on genetic testing, consistent daily use, regular monitoring, and early reporting of side effects. Work closely with your oncology team to get the best results from this therapy.
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