Researchers at Yonsei Cancer Center have identified the MET gene as a key therapeutic target not only in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) but also in other solid tumors such as gastric and colorectal cancers, suggesting broader applications for MET-targeted therapies.

The MET gene is known to play a critical role in cancer cell growth and metastasis. In clinical settings, MET-targeted therapies have demonstrated significant efficacy in patients with NSCLC characterized by MET overexpression, establishing the gene as a major therapeutic target in lung cancer treatment.

Building on this evidence, the Yonsei team led by Professors Cho Byoung-chul and Lee Jii-bum, and resident Shim Joo-sung of the Department of Medical Oncology, explored the potential of extending MET-targeted therapy to other solid tumors where MET alterations are observed, such as gastric and colorectal cancers.

As a result, the team confirmed that early testing for MET overexpression and timely treatment initiation could maximize the effectiveness of anti-cancer therapy.

The study also highlighted ongoing research on combining MET inhibitors with immune checkpoint inhibitors and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) to enhance treatment efficacy across multiple tumor types.

Notably, the team confirmed the role of MET inhibition in overcoming resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, which are widely used in treating NSCLC and colorectal cancer.

When resistance to EGFR-targeted therapies develops, it is often accompanied by MET overexpression. Targeting MET in such cases has been shown to restore anti-cancer activity.

“MET has long been a crucial therapeutic target in NSCLC, but our findings demonstrate its potential in gastric and colorectal cancers as well,” Professor Cho said. “Moreover, MET inhibition offers an alternative strategy for patients who develop resistance to EGFR inhibitors, providing an additional treatment avenue.”

The results of the study were published in the Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology.