Oncogene addiction as a foundation of targeted cancer therapy: The paradigm of the MET receptor tyrosine kinase

Abstract

Following nearly two decades of its conception, the phenomenon of oncogene addiction still represents a key concept of how progresses in basic research can translate to unprecedented translational breakthroughs. Coined by Bernard Weinstein, this term refers to the phenomenon by which cancer cells can exhibit dependence on a single oncogenic protein or signaling pathway for sustaining proliferation and survival, despite the wide burden of genetic lesions characterizing their genomic background, revealing thus a promising Achilles' heel of cancer. Importantly, this concept aided the design and clinical implementation of molecularly targeted anticancer therapies, further supporting the paradigm shift witnessed in clinical oncology towards an individual-based, personalized era. In this review, we outline the path of discovery concerning the oncogene addiction concept and focus on the MET receptor tyrosine kinase as a model addicting oncoprotein to further explore potential and pitfalls stemming from the implementation of anticancer strategies targeting tumor dependencies beyond their blending with other therapeutic opportunities.

Keywords: DNA damage response; Immunotherapy; MET; Oncogene addiction; Receptor tyrosine kinases; Targeted anticancer therapy.