Is it necessary to undergo genetic testing and analysis before using Tepotinib (Tuodekang)?

Tepotinib is an oral targeted drug that is a selective METtyrosine kinase inhibitor, mainly targeting METexon 14 skipping mutations (METex14 skipping mutation) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. In clinical practice, patients with such mutations often have unsatisfactory responses to conventional chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Tepotinib can significantly improve the disease control rate of patients by precisely inhibiting the MET signaling pathway. Therefore, genetic testing is critical before patients are considered for tepotinib.

The significance of genetic testing is to determine whether a patient has a METex14 skipping mutation, because this drug is not targeted at all lung cancer patients, but is specifically designed for this specific mutation population. Through testing, unnecessary medication risks and financial burdens can be avoided while ensuring the effectiveness of treatment. Common testing methods include next-generation sequencing (NGS), RT-PCR, or multigene testing based on tissue samples and liquid biopsies. Only if the exact METex14 mutation is detected will the indication for tepotinib be met.

Judging from the results of clinical studies, METex14 mutation-positive patients who receive tepotinib treatment often achieve higher objective response rates (ORR) and median progression-free survival (PFS), which further validates the importance of genetic testing. If patients take medication directly without testing, they may not be able to achieve the desired effect, or even delay the best time for treatment. Therefore, doctors usually recommend that patients undergo molecular pathology testing as soon as possible after diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer to determine whether tepotinib is suitable for use.

To sum up, as a targeted therapy drug, the therapeutic effect of tepotinib depends on whether the patient carries a specific gene mutation. Genetic testing and analysis before use is not only necessary, but also a prerequisite for determining a treatment plan. For patients confirmed to carry METex14 skipping mutations, tepotinib can significantly improve clinical prognosis; while for patients with no relevant mutations detected, other treatment options should be considered. This genetic testing-targeted drug precision medicine model has become an important trend in modern cancer treatment.

Reference link:https://www.drugs.com