Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Molecular Biomarker Testing for Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Published on: September 8, 2023
MET alterations in NSCLC-Current Perspectives and Future Challenges
Jordi Remon1, Lizza E L Hendriks2, Giannis Mountzios3
1Department of Cancer Medicine, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.
Abstract:
Targeted therapies have revolutionized the treatment and improved the outcome for oncogene-driven NSCLC and an increasing number of oncogenic driver therapies have become available. For MET-dysregulated NSCLC (especially MET exon 14 skipping mutations and MET-amplifications, which is one of the most common bypass mechanisms of resistance in oncogene-addicted NSCLC), several anti-MET-targeted therapies have been approved recently (MET exon 14 skipping mutation) and multiple others are in development. In this narrative review, we summarize the role of MET as an oncogenic driver in NSCLC, discuss the different testing methods for exon 14 skipping mutations, gene amplification, and protein overexpression, and review the existing data and ongoing clinical trials regarding targeted therapies in MET-altered NSCLC. As immunotherapy with or without chemotherapy has become the standard of care for advanced NSCLC, immunotherapy data for MET-dysregulated NSCLC are put into perspective. Finally, we discuss future challenges in this rapidly evolving landscape.
Insights
MET alterations drive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This review covers MET-targeted therapies, diagnostic methods, and their role alongside immunotherapy for MET-dysregulated NSCLC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment has advanced with oncogene-driven therapies.
- MET dysregulation, including MET exon 14 skipping mutations and amplifications, is a key resistance mechanism in NSCLC.
- Targeted therapies offer improved outcomes for specific NSCLC subtypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of MET as an oncogenic driver in NSCLC.
- To discuss diagnostic methods for MET alterations (exon 14 skipping, amplification, overexpression).
- To summarize current and emerging targeted therapies for MET-altered NSCLC and their integration with immunotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of existing literature.
- Analysis of clinical trial data for MET-targeted therapies.
- Perspective on immunotherapy in MET-dysregulated NSCLC.
Main Results:
- Several anti-MET targeted therapies are approved for MET exon 14 skipping mutations, with more in development.
- MET alterations are common bypass mechanisms in oncogene-addicted NSCLC.
- Data on immunotherapy for MET-dysregulated NSCLC is being evaluated.
Conclusions:
- Targeted therapies are crucial for MET-altered NSCLC.
- Accurate diagnostic testing is essential for patient selection.
- Further research is needed to optimize treatment strategies and overcome resistance.
Related Concept Videos
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Treatment Resistant Cancers
Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Maintenance
Cancer stem cells are thought to originate from tissue-specific normal stem cells or progenitor cells. The normal stem cells usually reside in...

