De-regulated FGF receptors as therapeutic targets in cancer

Victoria Knights1, Simon J Cook

  • 1Laboratory of Molecular Signalling, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, England, UK.

Insights

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and receptor (FGFR) signaling is crucial in development and cancer. Dysregulated FGFR signaling drives oncogenesis, making FGFRs promising therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors (FGFRs) are critical for cellular processes.
  • Dysregulation of FGF/FGFR signaling is implicated in developmental disorders and cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review FGF/FGFR signaling pathways.
  • To highlight the role of FGFRs as oncogenes in specific cancers.
  • To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting FGFRs in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent advances in cancer genomics and cell biology.
  • Analysis of studies demonstrating FGFR addiction in tumor cells.
  • Compilation of current and developing therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • FGFRs function as oncogenes, maintaining malignant properties in tumor cells.
  • Specific cancer types exhibit dependence on deregulated FGFR signaling.
  • Therapeutic strategies include antibodies and small molecule inhibitors targeting FGFRs.

Conclusions:

  • FGFRs are attractive therapeutic targets in oncology.
  • Targeting FGFRs offers a promising approach for cancer therapy.
  • Further research into FGFR signaling and targeted therapies is warranted.

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