Targeting the MET receptor tyrosine kinase in non-small cell lung cancer: emerging role of tivantinib

Abstract: MET receptor tyrosine kinase and its natural ligand, hepatocyte growth factor, have been implicated in a variety of cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Mechanisms by which cellular deregulation of MET occurs include overexpression, genomic amplification, mutation, or alternative splicing. MET overexpression or activation is a known cause of acquired resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors in NSCLC. Inhibition of MET signaling in these EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor-resistant cells may potentially restore sensitivity to EGFR inhibitors. Tivantinib (ARQ 197), reported as a small-molecule MET inhibitor, has demonstrated antitumor activity in early clinical studies. This review focuses on MET and lung cancer, the clinical development of tivantinib, the clinical trials of tivantinib in NSCLC to date, its current/emerging role in the management of NSCLC, and future directions. Keywords: MET inhibitor, tivantinib, ARQ 197, non-small cell lung cancer © 2014 The Author(s). This work is published and licensed by Dove Medical Press Limited. The full terms of this license are available at https://www.dovepress.com/terms.php and incorporate the Creative Commons Attribution - Non Commercial (unported, v3.0) License . By accessing the work you hereby accept the Terms. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. For permission for commercial use of this work, please see paragraphs 4.2 and 5 of our Terms .