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Updated: Mar 29, 2026
Gene Regulation and Targeted Therapy in Gastric Cancer Peritoneal Metastasis: Radiological Findings from Dual Energy CT and PET/CT
Published on: January 22, 2018
Clinical significance of MET in gastric cancer
Mikito Inokuchi1, Sho Otsuki1, Yoshitaka Fujimori1
1Mikito Inokuchi, Sho Otsuki, Yoshitaka Fujimori, Yuya Sato, Masatoshi Nakagawa, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan.
Abstract:
Chemotherapy has become the global standard treatment for patients with metastatic or unresectable gastric cancer (GC), although outcomes remain unfavorable. Many molecular-targeted therapies inhibiting signaling pathways of various tyrosine kinase receptors have been developed, and monoclonal antibodies targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 or vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 have become standard therapy for GC. Hepatocyte growth factor and its receptor, c-MET (MET), play key roles in tumor growth through activated signaling pathways from receptor in GC cells. Genomic amplification of MET leads to the aberrant activation found in GC tumors and is related to survival in patients with GC. This review discusses the clinical significance of MET in GC and examines MET as a potential therapeutic target in patients with GC. Preclinical studies in animal models have shown that MET antibodies or small-molecule MET inhibitors suppress tumor-cell proliferation and tumor progression in MET-amplified GC cells. These drugs are now being evaluated in clinical trials as treatments for metastatic or unresectable GC.
Insights
Hepatocyte growth factor receptor MET is crucial in gastric cancer (GC) progression. Targeting MET shows promise for treating advanced GC, with new therapies in clinical trials for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Metastatic or unresectable gastric cancer (GC) has unfavorable outcomes with current chemotherapy.
- Targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, are established for GC treatment.
- Hepatocyte growth factor receptor MET signaling is implicated in GC tumor growth and patient survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical significance of MET in gastric cancer.
- To examine MET as a potential therapeutic target for GC patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical studies and clinical trial data.
- Analysis of MET's role in GC cell signaling and tumor progression.
Main Results:
- Genomic amplification of MET drives aberrant activation in GC tumors.
- Preclinical models show MET inhibitors suppress proliferation and progression in MET-amplified GC.
- MET amplification is linked to survival in GC patients.
Conclusions:
- MET plays a key role in GC pathogenesis.
- Targeting MET presents a promising therapeutic strategy for GC.
- MET inhibitors are under clinical investigation for advanced GC treatment.
