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Rigel Pharmaceuticals Presents New GAVRETO® Data at ESMO Congress 2026

Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. recently made an impactful presentation at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2026, showcasing new data on GAVRETO® (pralsetinib). This drug, which targets RET fusion-positive cancers, is central to Rigel’s efforts to provide innovative therapies for oncology patients. The congress took place both in-person in Madrid, Spain, and virtually from October 23 to 27, 2026.

The clinical studies ARROW and TAPISTRY were highlighted, revealing promising results in patients suffering from solid tumors with RET fusions. A pooled analysis of data from both studies demonstrated an impressive overall response rate (ORR) of 53%, showcasing GAVRETO®’s efficacy across various cancer types, including pancreatic and colorectal cancers.

Notably, patients with previously treated pancreatic tumors exhibited an even higher response rate of 88%. These results signal a potential for GAVRETO® to be utilized in a tumor-agnostic way for any RET fusion-positive solid tumor, a development that could broaden the treatment landscape for many patients.

Moreover, the TAPISTRY study emphasized GAVRETO's application in treating thyroid cancer, with results showing an ORR of 81.3% among patients with RET fusion-positive tumors. This consistency with ARROW’s findings reinforces the drug’s effectiveness and safety profile in patients with advanced thyroid cancer.

One of the significant breakthroughs presented was the first-line clinical outcomes for patients with RET fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In the ARROW trial, those treated with GAVRETO® as a first-line therapy had a remarkable ORR of 75%, vastly outperforming the mere 26% seen in patients receiving conventional therapies prior to the study. This data strongly supports GAVRETO’s potential position as a preferred first-line treatment for this particular cohort.

In addition to effectiveness, patient quality of life is a key area of focus in oncology treatments. The results indicated that GAVRETO® significantly improved Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) among patients with advanced or metastatic RET fusion-positive NSCLC. Over 75% of evaluated patients experienced enhanced or stable HRQoL scores.

Dr. Alison L. Hannah, Chief Medical Officer at Rigel, stated, "These analyses reinforce the breadth of evidence supporting pralsetinib across RET fusion-positive cancers and provide important new insights into its clinical activity, durability, and impact on patients. We are particularly encouraged by the findings across multiple solid tumor types."

Among the specifics, the ESMO Congress featured different types of presentations:
1. Rapid Oral Session: Jacqueline Vuky, MD, presented on the efficacy and safety of pralsetinib in a pooled analysis from the ARROW and TAPISTRY trials.
2. Poster Presentation: Do-Youn Oh, MD, PhD shared results from the TAPISTRY trial focusing on RET fusion-positive thyroid cancer.
3. Additional Poster: Vivek Subbiah, MD, reviewed clinical outcomes in ARROW patients with RET fusion-positive NSCLC.
4. ePoster: Giuseppe Curigliano, MD, PhD highlighted findings on HRQoL improvements in patients treated with GAVRETO®.

The FDA-approved treatment targets adult patients with RET fusion-positive NSCLC and thyroid cancer, employing a targeted approach to improve patient outcomes while managing side effects. Rigel continues to emphasize the clinical benefits of GAVRETO® and its suitability across varying cancer types.

As the landscape of cancer treatment evolves, GAVRETO® stands out for its specialized approach, and ongoing research promises further insights into its role in managing RET fusion-positive cancers. The data presented at ESMO Congress 2026 reinforces hopes for its potential in transforming treatment paradigms for these challenging malignancies.

Conclusion

Rigel Pharmaceuticals remains committed to innovation in oncology, and the recent data presentations are a testament to their dedication to enhancing cancer care through advanced therapeutic solutions like GAVRETO®. As more research and clinical evidence surface, the potential impact on patient lives grows, providing hope and options for those affected by RET fusion-positive cancers.