Finding the right oncologist and medical care team is one of the most important decisions you will make in your cancer journey. The right doctor can not only guide your treatment plan but also provide the reassurance, clarity, and compassion you need during an uncertain time.
If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with RET-positive lung cancer, it is especially important to find a thoracic oncologist (a lung cancer specialist) who is familiar with the latest research and treatment options for RET-driven cancers. Because RET-positive lung cancer is relatively rare, having an oncologist with specific expertise in this area can make a significant difference in accessing the most effective therapies, including targeted treatments and clinical trials.
Your oncologist will become your partner throughout this journey, helping you understand your diagnosis, reviewing treatment choices, monitoring progress, and adjusting your care as needed. A good oncologist will also collaborate closely with other specialists, such as radiologists, pathologists, and genetic counselors, to ensure your care is personalized and coordinated.
When searching for the right oncologist, here are a few helpful steps to consider:
- Ask your diagnosing doctor for a referral
The doctor who identified your cancer (such as a pulmonologist or pathologist) can often recommend an oncologist with experience treating lung cancers that involve RET fusions or mutations. - Explore NCI-Designated Cancer Centers
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recognizes leading cancer centers across the United States that deliver cutting-edge treatments and conduct advanced research. Choosing an oncologist affiliated with one of these centers may give you access to the newest RET-targeted therapies and clinical trials. You can find the full list of NCI-designated centers on the National Cancer Institute website. - Consult your primary care provider
Your primary care doctor can also help coordinate referrals and assist with scheduling appointments at specialized cancer centers. - Consider clinical trial sites
Some major cancer centers are actively enrolling patients in RET-specific clinical trials, which can provide access to promising new treatments not yet widely available.
Below are some oncologists recognized for their work and expertise in RET-positive lung cancer research and treatment:
Dr. John V. Heymach – Professor and Chair Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center (USA)
Dr. Heymach leads pioneering research on mechanisms of sensitivity and resistance to RET inhibitors, helping guide personalized treatment strategies for RET-positive lung cancer. His research has led to new therapeutic approaches for oncogene-driven lung cancer types, many of which are now considered standard of care regimens or undergoing clinical testing. Contact Dr. John Heymach
More info here
Dr. Alex Drilon – Associate Director, Early Drug Development, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (USA)
A leading clinical researcher in targeted therapies, Dr. Drilon led the pivotal trials that established selective RET inhibitors as a standard of care, significantly improving outcomes for patients with RET-positive lung cancer. Contact Dr. Alex Drilon
More info here
Dr. Marc Ladanyi – Molecular Pathologist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (USA)
Dr. Ladanyi has made major contributions to understanding the genomic landscape of lung cancer, including identifying and characterizing mechanisms of resistance in oncogene-driven cancers such as RET-positive lung cancer. Contact Dr. Marc Ladanyi
More info here
Dr. Justin Gainor – Director, Center for Thoracic Cancers, Massachusetts General Hospital (USA)
Dr. Gainor focuses on translational research in oncogene-driven lung cancers. His work explores resistance mechanisms and the development of next-generation targeted therapies for RET-positive lung cancer and other oncogene-driven cancers. Contact Dr. Justin Gainor
More info here
Dr. Jessica Lin – Medical Oncologist, Massachusetts General Hospital (USA)
Dr. Lin specializes in clinical and translational research in RET-positive and other oncogene-driven lung cancers, contributing to studies that shape treatment sequencing and resistance management. She is the leader of the RETgistry, a global consortium of patients with advanced RET-altered solid tumors who received SRIs. Contact Dr. Jessica Lin
More info here
Dr. David Carbone – Director, The James Thoracic Oncology Center (USA)
A leader in precision oncology, Dr. Carbone integrates genomic testing into lung cancer care, ensuring patients with rare alterations such as RET receive tailored treatment options and access to clinical trials. Contact Dr. David Carbone
More info here
Dr. Vivek Subbiah – Director, Precision Oncology, Sarah Cannon Research Institute (USA)
Dr. Subbiah is recognized for his work in precision oncology and has led multiple early-phase clinical trials exploring targeted therapies for RET-altered cancers and other rare genetic drivers. Contact Dr. Vivek Subbiah
Dr. Tejas Patil – Medical Oncologist, UCHealth Lung Cancer Clinic – Anschutz Medical Campus (USA)
Dr. Patil is a clinical expert and researcher focused on RET-positive lung cancer. He is actively involved in managing acquired resistance to targeted therapies such as RET inhibitors and developing rational therapy combinations based on molecular and evolutionary biology. Contact Dr. Tejas Patil
Dr. Mihaela Aldea – Medical Oncologist, Gustave Roussy (France)
Dr. Aldea leads international collaborations on RET-positive lung cancer, including the RET-MAP registry, which collects real-world data across Europe to improve understanding of resistance and treatment outcomes. Contact Dr. Mihaela Alea
More info here
Dr. Yasir Elamin- Associate Professor, Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center (USA).
Dr. Elamin is a dedicated thoracic oncologist who leads several clinical studies for oncogene-driven lung cancers. He was co-chair on one clinical study Lung-MAP testing selpercatinib with chemotherapy. Contact Dr. Yasir Elamin
Dr. Julia Rotow – Physician-Scientist, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (USA)
Dr. Rotow specializes in the development of targeted therapies and immunotherapies for oncogene-driven lung cancers. She is actively involved in clinical trials and collaborative research efforts. Contact Dr. Julia Rotow
More info here
These specialists have contributed to RET research, clinical trials, and the development of targeted therapies.
Important Note: This is not a complete list of experts. There are many experienced thoracic oncologists across the United States and internationally who treat patients with RET-positive lung cancer.
If you are considering consulting with a RET expert:
- Ask whether they have experience treating RET-positive patients
- Inquire about clinical trial opportunities for RET cancer
- Discuss how care can be coordinated with your local oncology team
