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:
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
