Capmatinib (INC280) Is Active Against Models of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Other Cancer Types with Defined Mechanisms of MET Activation.

PURPOSE

The selective MET inhibitor capmatinib is being investigated in multiple clinical trials, both as a single agent and in combination. Here, we describe the preclinical data of capmatinib, which supported the clinical biomarker strategy for rational patient selection.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The selectivity and cellular activity of capmatinib were assessed in large cellular screening panels. Antitumor efficacy was quantified in a large set of cell line- or patient-derived xenograft models, testing single-agent or combination treatment depending on the genomic profile of the respective models.

RESULTS

Capmatinib was found to be highly selective for MET over other kinases. It was active against cancer models that are characterized by amplification, marked overexpression, exon 14 skipping mutations, or MET activation via expression of the ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). In cancer models where is the dominant oncogenic driver, anticancer activity could be further enhanced by combination treatments, for example, by the addition of apoptosis-inducing BH3 mimetics. The combinations of capmatinib and other kinase inhibitors resulted in enhanced anticancer activity against models where activation co-occurred with other oncogenic drivers, for example activating mutations.

CONCLUSIONS

Activity of capmatinib in preclinical models is associated with a small number of plausible genomic features. The low fraction of cancer models that respond to capmatinib as a single agent suggests that the implementation of patient selection strategies based on these biomarkers is critical for clinical development. Capmatinib is also a rational combination partner for other kinase inhibitors to combat MET-driven resistance.