Activation of MET pathway predicts poor outcome to cetuximab in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Activation of the MET oncogene promotes tumor growth, invasion and metastasis in several tumor types. Additionally, MET is activated as a compensatory pathway in the presence of EGFR blockade, thus resulting in a mechanism of resistance to EGFR inhibitors.

Methods

We have investigated the impact of HGF and MET expression, MET activation (phosphorylation), MET gene status, and MET-activating mutations on cetuximab sensitivity in recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) patients.

Results

A single-institution retrospective analysis was performed in 57 patients. MET overexpression was detected in 58% patients, MET amplification in 39% and MET activation (p-MET) in 30%. Amplification was associated with MET overexpression. Log

SUBMITTER: Madoz-Gurpide J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4552997 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature