Targeting MET Amplification with Crizotinib in a Case of Sinonasal Undifferentiated Carcinoma

Abstract

Comprehensive molecular testing of individual tumors has led to the identification of novel molecularly defined cancer therapies and treatment indications. Given low frequencies of many molecular alterations, efficacy of therapies used to target them are often undefined, especially in the context of rare malignancies. Here we describe the first reported case of MET amplification in sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC), a rare cancer with a poor prognosis. The patient was treated with crizotinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets c-MET, and experienced a complete response. Our report demonstrates the potential of employing precision oncology approaches in SNUC and other rare cancers.

Keywords:

• Head and neck cancer
• therapy
• gene profiling
• cancer genetics

Acknowledgments

The authors thank their patient for allowing them to take part in her care and to share her case.

Informed consent

Verbal and written consent to publish this report along with the included figures was obtained from the patient discussed.

Declaration of interest

The following authors report the disclosures below:

John Strickler: Consulting/ Advisory Board: Abbvie, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Bayer, Pfizer, SeaGen, Chengdu Kanghong Biotechnology, Mereo Biopharma, Natera, Viatris; Research funding: SeaGen, AstraZeneca, Daiichi-Sankyo, AStar D3, Genentech/Roche, OncoMed, Abbvie, Exelixis, Macrogenics, Leap Therapeutics, Sanofi, Amgen, Nektar

Neal Ready: Consulting/ Advisory Board: Abbvie, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, BMS, G1 Therapeutics, Regeneron, Merck, Genentech, Roche; Research funding: BMS, Merck