The role and efficacy of capmatinib

Capmatinib (Capmatinib) is an oral, small molecule inhibitor of the mesenchymal epithelial transition (MET) factor tyrosine kinase receptor for use in selected patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Approval of capmatinib was based on initial overall response rate and duration of response in the GEOMETRY mono-1 trial, with conversion to routine approval based on data from an additional 63 patients and an additional 22 months of follow-up to assess durability of response and verify clinical benefit.

Capmatinib inhibitsthe excessive activity of c-Met, a receptor tyrosine kinase encoded by the Met proto-oncogene. 3Met mutations are associated with proliferation in many cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer. Efficacy was demonstrated in 160 patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer who had mutations that cause MET exon 14 skipping. Patients received capmatinib 400 mg orally twice daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

The primary efficacy endpoints were ORR and duration of response (DOR) as determined by a blinded independent review committee (BIRC). Among 31 patients who received second-line or second-line (n=1) treatment as the METex14 skipped pretreatment population, the confirmed ORR reached 51.6%. Among 60 treatment-naïve patients, the ORR was 68% and the DOR was 16.6 months. Among 100 previously treated patients, the ORR was 44% and the DOR was 9.7 months.

Capmatinib may cause photosensitivity reactions in patients following ultraviolet (UV) exposure, and patients receiving treatment should be advised to use sunscreen and protective clothing to limit UV radiation exposure. Capmatinib should be discontinued immediately in patients who develop signs or symptoms of pulmonary disease (e.g., cough, dyspnea, pyrexia) or permanently if no other feasible cause of the pulmonary-related symptoms is identified.