Expression of MERTK and/or AXL (members of the TAM family of receptor tyrosine kinases) provides a survival advantage for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and correlates with lymph node metastasis, drug resistance, and disease progression. TAM receptors on host tumor infiltrating cells also play important roles in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Thus, MERTK and AXL are attractive biologic targets for NSCLC treatment, and clinical trials have recently been launched exploring the efficacy of MERTK/AXL inhibitors in NSCLC. This timely review will address the potential clinical impact of these agents as well as potential side effects to be monitored with the use of these novel drugs.

MERTK and AXL are members of the TAM family of receptor tyrosine kinases and are abnormally expressed in 69% and 93% of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), respectively. Expression of MERTK and/or AXL provides a survival advantage for NSCLC cells and correlates with lymph node metastasis, drug resistance, and disease progression in patients with NSCLC. The TAM receptors on host tumor infiltrating cells also play important roles in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Thus, MERTK and AXL are attractive biologic targets for NSCLC treatment. Here, we will review physiologic and oncologic roles for MERTK and AXL with an emphasis on the potential to target these kinases in NSCLCs with activating EGFR mutations.