Non-small cell lung cancer MET-amplified clinical trials treat NSCLC with a MET mutation. MET is short for mesenchymal-epithelial transition gene, which helps cells grow and survive. The mutation of this gene can cause cancer cells to grow faster than usual.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer. It is typically a slow-growing cancer that does not present symptoms until the cancer is advanced. There are three classifications of NSCLC tumors: adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. The type of treatment that a patient receives can be determined by genetic mutations that are present. Gene mutations can contribute to the growth of tumors, as is seen with the MET mutation. Understanding if there is a gene mutation in the cancer is helpful for selecting an effective treatment option, because there are targeted therapies that work better for certain gene mutations.

NSCLC MET is a gene mutation that occurs in about 5% of NSCLC patients. There is evidence that it can be treated with a variety of targeted drug therapies including:

Capmatinib
Afatinib
Crizotinib
Dacomitinib
Erlotinib
Gefitinib
Osimertinib
Pembrolizumab

Non-small cell lung cancer MET-amplified clinical trials are available for patients to enroll. There are over 60 NSCLC MET-amplified clinical trials currently recruiting.

Genetic Testing in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Genetic testing is used to identify genetic differences in cancers. In order to understand if there are genetic mutations in NSCLC, a biopsy is usually taken. Genetic testing is recommended for cancer patients because it can be crucial to selecting the most effective treatment. Understanding which genetic mutation is present helps doctors understand how the cancer is growing. Consult with your doctor if you want genetic testing.

Common genetic mutations that can be found in cases of NSCLC include:

MET
KRAS
EGFR
BRAF
ALK
PIK3CA
HER2
ROS
RET
MAP2K1
AKT1
ROS1

Symptoms and Diagnosis of NSCLC

Some NSCLC patients may not have symptoms. Instead, NSCLC could be detected via a CT scan, MRI, or another exam performed by a doctor. If symptoms are present, they could include:

Chest pain
Trouble breathing
Persistent cough
Coughing up blood and/or mucus
Wheezing
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Voice changes
Fatigue
Trouble swallowing

If NSCLC is suspected, tests are needed to determine the diagnosis. Tests could include lab work, imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, PET scans, ultrasounds, a biopsy, and more.

Sources:

Search of: MET | Recruiting Studies | Non-small Cell Lung Cancer | United States – List Results – ClinicalTrials.gov

SCLC vs. NSCLC: What’s the Difference? | NFCR Lung Cancer Awareness

Lung Cancer Mutations: EGFR, KRAS, METEX14, and More (healthline.com)

Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Targeted Drug Therapy | Lung Cancer Drugs

Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma – My Cancer Genome