Case Report: Zoledronic acid-induced hyperprogression in oncology: a case study of RET-driven neuroendocrine carcinoma treated with Selpercatinib - Report - MDSpire

Case Report: Zoledronic acid-induced hyperprogression in oncology: a case study of RET-driven neuroendocrine carcinoma treated with Selpercatinib

  • By

  • Junqi Liu

  • FengJiao He

  • June 4, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Hyperprogressive Disease Induced by Zoledronic Acid

Overview

This case study presents a 59-year-old woman with RET-driven neuroendocrine carcinoma who developed hyperprogressive disease after switching from denosumab to zoledronic acid. The rapid deterioration of her condition highlights the need for careful monitoring when changing bone-modifying agents during targeted therapy.

Background

Hyperprogressive disease (HPD) is a phenomenon where tumor growth accelerates following treatment, which can complicate management strategies for patients with advanced malignancies. Understanding the potential triggers of HPD, particularly in the context of bone-modifying agents like zoledronic acid, is crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes in patients with metastatic disease. This case underscores the importance of monitoring treatment responses in patients receiving targeted therapies.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data presented in the article.

Key Findings

  • A 59-year-old woman with RET p.V804M mutation experienced HPD after switching to zoledronic acid.
  • Initial treatment with Selpercatinib and denosumab resulted in partial remission for 6 months.
  • After switching to zoledronic acid, the patient developed severe bone pain and elevated NSE levels within one month.
  • Radiological assessments showed significant disease progression after the switch to zoledronic acid.
  • The patient’s condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to her death 8 months post-diagnosis.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should exercise caution when switching bone-modifying agents in patients undergoing targeted therapy, as this may trigger HPD. Close monitoring of symptoms and tumor markers is essential to identify any adverse effects promptly.

Conclusion

This case highlights the potential risks associated with changing bone-modifying agents during RET inhibitor therapy and emphasizes the need for further research to understand the mechanisms behind HPD.

Related Resources & Content

  1. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2023 -- Efficacy of Selpercatinib in Treating RET-Mutated Pheochromocytoma
  2. The ASCO Post, 2023 -- Advanced RET-Mutant Medullary Thyroid Cancer: First-Line Selpercatinib KEY POINTS
  3. Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 -- Targeted therapy combined with local consolidative surgery for oligometastatic stage IVA lung adenocarcinoma with CCDC6-RET fusion: a case report
  4. The ASCO Post, 2024 -- LIBRETTO-431 Trial Shows Selpercatinib Is Effective in East Asian Patients With RET Fusion–Positive Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer KEY POINTS
  5. Phase 3 Trial of Selpercatinib in Advanced RET-Mutant Medullary Thyroid Cancer | New England Journal of Medicine
  6. Bone Metastases | American Cancer Society
  7. Hyperprogressive disease in carcinoma induced by immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy: a systematic review - PubMed
  8. EUR Research Information Portal
  9. Phase 3 Trial of Selpercatinib in Advanced RET-Mutant Medullary Thyroid Cancer | New England Journal of Medicine
  10. Precision oncology for RET-related tumors - PMC

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