Title:The Treatment of a New Entity in Advanced Non-small Cell Lung
Cancer: MET Exon 14 Skipping Mutation
Volume: 31
Issue: 21
Author(s): Danilo Rocco, Luigi Della Gravara, Giovanni Palazzolo and Cesare Gridelli*
Affiliation:
- Division of Medical Oncology, S.G. Moscati Hospital, Avellino, Italy
Keywords:
NSCLC, MET, exon 14 skipping, resistance mechanisms, capmatinib, tepotinib, type I MET-TKI, type II MET-TKI.
Abstract:
Background: MET (MET Proto-Oncogene, Receptor Tyrosine Kinase) exon
14 skipping mutation represents one of the most common MET alterations, accounting
for approximately 1-3% of all mutations in advanced lung adenocarcinomas. While until
2020 no specific treatment was available for this subset of patients, as of today, three
MET Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) are currently approved in this setting, namely
capmatinib, tepotinib and savolitinib.
Objective: This article aims to provide an extensive overview of the current therapeutic
standard of care for exon 14 skipped advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) patients,
alongside with mentions of the main future challenges and opportunities.
Conclusion: FDA-approved MET-TKIs currently represent the best option for treating
exon 14 skipped advanced NSCLC patients, thanks to their excellent efficacy profile,
alongside their manageable safety and tolerability. However, we currently lack specific
agents to treat patients progressing on capmatinib or tepotinib, due to a limited understanding
of the mechanisms underlying both on- and off-target resistance. In this respect,
on-target mutations presently constitute the most explored ones from a mechanistic point
of view, and type II MET-TKIs are currently under investigation as the most promising
agents capable of overcoming the acquired resistance.