Volitinib (also known as savolitinib) is a targeted therapy used in oncology, functioning as a selective inhibitor of the c-Met kinase (also known as hepatocyte growth factor receptor, HGFR). It targets and inhibits the activity of c-Met, a receptor tyrosine kinase involved in cancer cell growth, proliferation, survival, and metastasis, particularly in tumors driven by MET gene alterations such as exon 14 skipping mutations or amplifications.

Its primary application is in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with MET exon 14 skipping mutations, where it helps to block aberrant signaling pathways, slowing or halting cancer progression. Volitinib is also approved or under investigation for papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC), a subtype of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) often driven by MET alterations.

Clinical trials have explored its use in other MET-driven cancers, including glioblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma, and in combination with other therapies like EGFR inhibitors to overcome resistance in NSCLC. By selectively targeting cancer cells with MET dysregulation while sparing normal cells, Volitinib offers a precision medicine approach with potentially reduced side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.

Ongoing research focuses on its efficacy in combination regimens and broader applications in genetically defined cancers.