Overview of Molecular Detection Technologies for MET in Lung Cancer

SIMPLE SUMMARY: A variety of MET aberrations that lead to the dysregulation of the MET oncogene and thus the activation of various signaling pathways have been described. These include MET overexpression, the activation of MET mutations comprising exon 14 skipping mutations, MET gene amplifications, and MET fusions. Patients with such aberrations can be treated using a targeted inhibitor such as crizotinib, cabozantinib, tepotinib, and capmatinib. Therefore, the implementation of high-quality and sensitive methods for the detection of the various MET aberrations is essential. ABSTRACT: MET tyrosine kinase receptor pathway activation has become an important actionable target in solid tumors. Aberrations in the MET proto-oncogene, including MET overexpression, the activation of MET mutations, MET mutations that lead to MET exon 14 skipping, MET gene amplifications, and MET fusions, are known to be primary and secondary oncogenic drivers in cancer; these aberrations have evolved as predictive biomarkers in clinical diagnostics. Thus, the detection of all known MET aberrations in daily clinical care is essential. In this review, current molecular technologies for the detection of the different MET aberrations are highlighted, including the benefits and drawbacks. In the future, another focus will be on the standardization of detection technologies for the delivery of reliable, quick, and affordable tests in clinical molecular diagnostics.