MET activation drives resistance to cetuximab in head and neck cancer

Abstract

Methods: Genomic, transcriptomics, and proteomics profiling was done on cetuximab-sensitive (CetuxSen) and resistant tumor (CetuxRes) lesions obtained from a patient who had an exceptionally good response to cetuximab monotherapy. Immunohistochemisty, FISH, and qPCR were applied to confirm MET localization, copy number, and expression, respectively. IHC staining and analysis of MET expression were done on 20-cetuximab treated patients. Biochemical studies in vitro were conducted to uncover the molecular mechanism of resistance.