Plain language summary of the development of tepotinib: a treatment for a subtype of non-small cell lung cancer called 'MET exon 14 skipping'

What is this summary about? This plain language summary provides an overview of two of the main clinical studies that led to tepotinib's approval, the phase I first-in-human study and the phase II VISION study. What is tepotinib? Tepotinib is a targeted anti-cancer treatment taken orally (by mouth). It is available in many countries for people with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), where the tumor contains a genetic mutation (alteration) called 'MET exon 14 skipping'. Tumor cells rely on this mutation to grow and survive, so targeted blocking of the effect of this mutation is an important treatment approach. MET exon 14 skipping occurs in approximately 3-4% of people with NSCLC. These people are usually of older age. This subtype of NSCLC is associated with poor outcomes. Before treatments that specifically target this MET mutation were developed, only general treatments such as chemotherapy were available for this type of cancer. Because chemotherapy attacks all rapidly dividing cells in a person's body and is administered intravenously (through a vein), it can often cause unwanted side effects. Cancer cells grow and divide rapidly because of defects, often involving proteins called 'tyrosine kinases'. Specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) were therefore developed to slow or stop cancer growth by targeting these proteins. Tepotinib is a MET TKI. This means that it blocks the activity of the MET pathway that is overactive in MET exon 14 skipping NSCLC. Doing this, may slow down cancer growth. What were the results from the clinical studies of tepotinib? In the studies summarized here, people with MET exon 14 skipping NSCLC who took tepotinib had their tumor growth stopped or their tumor shrunk for a period of time, and they mostly experienced side effects that they could tolerate. Who is this article for? This summary aims to help people with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with MET exon 14 skipping, and their family members and/or caregivers to understand more about this subtype of NSCLC and one of the treatment options that might be available. It might also be helpful for advocates and healthcare professionals, including non-specialists such as general practitioners, who are looking for treatment options for people with advanced NSCLC with MET exon 14 skipping.

Automated summary

This article summarizes two main clinical studies that led to the approval of tepotinib. Tepotinib is an orally targeted anti-cancer treatment for advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with the genetic mutation MET exon 14 skipping. Targeting this mutation is an important treatment approach to inhibit tumor growth.