MET alterations and their impact on the future of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) targeted therapies.

: The gene and its pathway normally plays a crucial role in cell homeostasis, motility, and apoptosis. However, when the gene is altered, there is an imbalance toward cell proliferation and invasion commonly seen in numerous different types of cancers. The heterogeneous group of alterations that includes amplification, exon 14 skipping mutation, and fusions has been difficult to diagnose and treat. Currently, treatments are focused on tyrosine kinase inhibitors but now there is emerging data on novel MET-targeted therapies including monoclonal antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates that have emerged.: We introduce new emerging data on alterations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has contributed to advances in MET targeted therapeutics. We offer our perspective and examine new information on the mechanisms of the alterations in this review.: Given the trends currently involving the targeting of MET altered malignancies, there will most likely be a continued rapid expansion of testing, novel tyrosine kinase inhibitors and potent antibody approaches. Combination treatments will be necessary to optimize management of advanced and early disease.