IHC Testing Aims to Expand Personalized Treatment in Lung Cancer

Investigators are using MET immunohistochemistry testing to address unmet needs in NSCLC treatment: © stock.adobe.com.

Caris Life Sciences is aiming to provide MET immunohistochemistry testing as a standard of care for all patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer, according to a news release from the company, in order to further insights into the molecular characteristics of these patients.

The news release states that the advanced immunohistochemistry testing is also poised for future drug approvals, which will facilitate a more personalized and effective treatment strategy for those with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer.

“To our knowledge, Caris is the only lab in the United States that has historically and is currently offering the [MET IHC] assay for non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer,” Dr. David Spetzler, president of Caris, stated in the news release. “With MET immunohistochemistry testing already in place, we are poised and ready to provide a detailed molecular profile to inform targeted therapies and future drug development approvals.”

Because approximately 50% of patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer do not have a gene driver mutation that can be targeted with treatment, there is an unmet need for patients awaiting treatment within the space. In the news release, the company explains its goal in addressing these ongoing demands.

The news release says that MET immunohistochemistry testing assesses MET protein expression in cancer cells. This protein is a key biomarker due to its critical involvement in cell growth, invasion and survival.

It is for this reason that MET protein expression is utilized as an additional personalized target for treatment.

The company explains that it is offering a comprehensive approach to molecular profiling for patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer through multiple diagnostic platforms. This includes the use of immunohistochemistry alongside next-generation sequencing, allowing for a thorough analysis of tumor biology and a detailed look at the molecular profile of each tumor.

MET immunohistochemistry testing specifically assesses the overexpression of the MET protein, a key driver associated with poor prognosis in this cancer subtype. This level of molecular detail also supports a more personalized treatment approach. By understanding the specific molecular characteristics of a patient’s cancer, researchers can develop customized treatment strategies that align with the tumor’s biology. This approach has the potential to improve therapeutic efficacy as well as enhance a patient’s overall quality of life.

“Caris remains committed to advancing cancer diagnostics and treatment through innovative technologies and rigorous scientific research,” stated the news release. “Deployment of MET immunohistochemistry testing for [patients with] non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer underscores this commitment and highlights Caris’ dedication to improving patient care and outcomes.”

Caris offers a suite of molecular profiling solutions designed to fulfillcomprehensive molecular profile testing. This includes MI Cancer Seek and Caris Assure. These two assays enable deeper insights into the molecular drivers of patients within this population.

Notably, in November 2024, Caris received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for MI Cancer Seek, which is a tissue-based assay and is the first and only test to combine whole exome sequencing and whole transcriptome sequencing in a single platform with FDA-approved companion diagnostic indications; this FDA approval is for the molecular profiling of solid tumors.

Caris Assure is a next-generation, blood-based assay that uniquely detects cancer-associated alterations such as somatic tumor, incidental clonal hematopoiesis and incidental germline variants through the sequencing of both plasma and buffy coat with whole exome sequencing and whole transcriptome sequencing assays.

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