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Updated: May 24, 2026

A Mouse Model to Investigate the Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Tumor Growth
06:35

A Mouse Model to Investigate the Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Tumor Growth

Published on: December 22, 2020

Importance of fibroblast growth factor receptor in neovascularization and tumor escape from antiangiogenic therapy

Philip J Saylor1, Bernard Escudier, M Dror Michaelson

  • 1Division of Hematology-Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.

Clinical Genitourinary Cancer
|March 3, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling may drive resistance to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies in renal cell carcinoma. Targeting FGF pathways could overcome treatment resistance and improve outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Antiangiogenic therapies targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway are standard treatments for renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
  • Tumor resistance to VEGF inhibitors is a significant clinical challenge, limiting long-term efficacy.
  • Alternative signaling pathways, such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF), may contribute to tumor angiogenesis and treatment escape.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of FGF signaling in the development of resistance to anti-VEGF therapies in RCC.
  • To explore the distinct and synergistic interactions between FGF and VEGF signaling in promoting tumor vascularization.
  • To discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting the FGF pathway to overcome anti-VEGF resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of preclinical studies and clinical data.
  • Analysis of signaling pathways involved in angiogenesis and RCC.
  • Synthesis of information on FGF and VEGF interactions in tumor vascularization.

Main Results:

  • FGF signaling pathways play a critical role in tumor angiogenesis.
  • FGF and VEGF signaling pathways can act distinctly and synergistically to promote tumor vascularization.
  • Emerging evidence suggests FGF signaling contributes to resistance against anti-VEGF therapies in RCC.

Conclusions:

  • FGF signaling is implicated in resistance to anti-VEGF therapy in renal cell carcinoma.
  • Targeting FGF pathways represents a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome resistance.
  • Further investigation into combined FGF and VEGF inhibition may enhance RCC treatment outcomes.

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