Work

Ensartinib for advanced or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer with MET exon 14 skipping mutations (EMBRACE): a multi-center, single-arm, phase 2 trial

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background MET exon14 skipping mutations ( MET ex14) is an established actionable driver oncogene of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While ensartinib is a known second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor with primary activity against ALK translocation, it is also classified as a type Ia MET inhibitor. We have previously shown anti-tumor activity against MET ex14 positive NSCLC both in vivo and in vitro . The EMBRACE trial aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of ensartinib for treatment of MET ex14 positive NSCLC. Methods This is a multicenter single arm phase II investigator-initiated study that enrolled MET ex14 positive lung cancer after failing first line chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy. Eligible patients received ensartinib 225 mg orally once daily in a continuous 28-day treatment cycle until disease progression, unacceptable side effect, or death. Primary endpoint was investigator-assessed objective response rate (ORR), and the secondary end point included disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), duration of response (DoR) and safety profiles. The study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100048767). Findings From July 2021 to February 2024, a total of 31 patients were enrolled and received ensartinib. Median follow-up time of the 30 evaluable patients was 9.2 months (95% Confidence Interval [CI], 6.3-not estimable). The ORR was 53.3% (16/30; 95% CI, 35.5–71.2) and DCR was 86.7% (26/30; 95% CI, 74.5–98.8). Median PFS was 6.0 months (95% CI, 3.0–8.8) and median DoR was 7.9 months (95% CI, 4.8–8.7). Adverse events (AEs) were reported in 24 patients (80%), with 7 (23.3%) of grade 3. The most common AEs were rash (14/30, 46.7%), followed by anemia (7/30, 23.3%), increased ALT (7/30, 23.3%), increased AST (7/30, 23.3%), and pruritus (6/30, 20%). No serious adverse events or treatment-related deaths occurred. Importantly, the exploratory ctDNA analysis indicates that clearance of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) at four weeks treatment was associated with more favorable treatment outcomes comparing with patients having positive ctDNA. Interpretation Ensartinib has a promising anti-tumor activity and manageable safety in previously treated patients with MET ex14 positive lung cancer. Funding This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [82370028, 82422001] and the CSCO-MET Aberrant Solid Tumor Research Grant [Y-2022METAZMS-0066].

Source: EClinicalMedicine

DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2025.103099