Targeting c-MET Alterations in Cancer: A Review of Genetic Drivers and Therapeutic Implications.

Background: Recent research has increasingly highlighted alterations in the proto-oncogene , whose abnormal activation has been implicated in multiple cancers. encodes c-MET, a receptor tyrosine kinase critical for cellular growth, survival, and migration. Aberrant c-MET signaling, driven by mutations or gene amplification, promotes proliferation and invasion, contributing to tumorigenesis.

Scope Of The Review: While mutations are most often observed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), they also occur in other malignancies, including breast and gastric cancers. This review highlights key alterations, such as gene amplification, gene fusions, and exon 14 skipping deletions, and examines their prevalence across various tumor types.

Major Conclusions: We discuss the clinical significance of c-MET as a therapeutic target and identify gaps in knowledge that could inform the development of alternative treatment strategies.