Published online May 16, 2021. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i14.3350
Peer-review started: November 25, 2020
First decision: January 7, 2021
Revised: January 20, 2021
Accepted: March 3, 2021
Article in press: March 3, 2021
Published online: May 16, 2021
Processing time: 154 Days and 21 Hours
MET fusion is a key driver mutation, but it is rare in gastric cancer (GC). Several MET (hepatocyte growth factor receptor) inhibitors have been approved for the treatment of MET-positive patients, but the tumor response is heterogeneous. With the development of next-generation sequencing, diverse MET fusion partner genes have been identified. We herein report a fusion variant involving KIF5B-MET in GC.
After thoracoscopic inferior lobectomy plus lymph node dissection under general anesthesia, a “tumor within a tumor” was found in the lung tumor tissue of a 64-year-old non-smoking male patient. Combining the medical history and the results of enzyme labeling, the focal area was considered to be GC. To seek potential therapeutic regimens, an intergenic region between KIF5B and MET fusion was identified. This fusion contains a MET kinase domain and coil-coiled domains encoded by KIF5B exons 1-25, which might drive the oncogenesis.
Our finding could extend the spectrum and genomic landscape of MET fusions in GC and favor the development of personalized therapy.
Core Tip: In this case report, we report the discovery of a "tumor within a tumor " in the lung tumor tissue of a 64-year-old non-smoking male patient. Combined with the medical history and the results of enzyme labeling, the focal area of the postoperative pathology was considered to be gastric cancer. To seek potential therapeutic regimens, an intergenic region between KIF5B and MET fusion was identified, which contains a MET kinase domain and a coil curl domain encoded by KIF5B exons 1-25, which may drive the tumorigenesis.