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Updated: Nov 9, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Molecular Biomarker Testing for Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Published on: September 8, 2023
Rapid Disease Progression in a Patient with Advanced NSCLC Harboring a Germline MET Exon 14 Skipping Mutation: A Case
Yang Jiao1, Chen Fang1, Yuchen Yang2
1Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Changhai Hospital, The Naval Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
MET exon 14 skipping variants have been identified as a novel type of oncogenic driver mutations in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), while the germline MET mutation, especially germline MET exon 14 skipping mutation rarely occurred in NSCLC. Herein, we present the first case of a 33-year-old NSCLC patient with a germline MET exon 14 skipping mutation, who also harbored a somatic EGFR exon 20 insertion. The patient was initially diagnosed with a stage IIB adenosquamous carcinoma. He underwent a thoracoscopic radical resection followed by four cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy but relapsed 2 months after completing the chemotherapy. Afatinib was then prescribed but disease progressed immediately. Subsequently, he received anlotinib but did not respond and died a month later with an overall survival of 9 months. Our case may provide an evidence for the pathogenicity of germline MET exon 14 skipping mutation in NSCLC and suggest it as an adverse prognostic factor.
Insights
This study reports the first case of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a germline MET exon 14 skipping mutation. This rare genetic alteration may indicate a poor prognosis in NSCLC patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Pulmonology
Background:
- MET exon 14 skipping variants are recognized oncogenic drivers in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- Germline MET mutations, particularly exon 14 skipping, are exceptionally rare in NSCLC.
- EGFR exon 20 insertions are another known oncogenic driver in NSCLC.

