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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

Molecular pathways: fibroblast growth factor signaling: a new therapeutic opportunity in cancer

A Nigel Brooks1, Elaine Kilgour, Paul D Smith

  • 1Oncology Innovative Medicines, AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 4TG, UK.

Clinical Cancer Research : an Official Journal of the American Association for Cancer Research
|March 6, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Targeting the fibroblast growth factor/fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGF/FGFR) signaling pathway shows promise for cancer therapy. New selective inhibitors allow for clinical validation of FGF/FGFR as a therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • The fibroblast growth factor/fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGF/FGFR) signaling pathway is crucial for normal development.
  • Aberrant FGF/FGFR signaling and overexpression are implicated in various cancers, promoting tumor growth and angiogenesis.
  • The FGF/FGFR axis is a validated therapeutic target due to its role in tumorigenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting the FGF/FGFR signaling axis in cancer.
  • To highlight the challenges and recent advancements in developing selective FGF/FGFR inhibitors.
  • To underscore the transition from preclinical findings to clinical validation.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical data on FGF/FGFR signaling inhibition.
  • Analysis of genetic modifications and receptor/ligand overexpression in tumors.
  • Evaluation of in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrating antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects.

Main Results:

  • Inhibition of FGF/FGFR signaling demonstrates significant antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects.
  • Preclinical data strongly support the FGF/FGFR axis as a viable therapeutic target.
  • Development of selective FGFR inhibitors has overcome previous therapeutic limitations.

Conclusions:

  • Selective inhibition of FGF/FGFR signaling offers a promising therapeutic strategy for various cancers.
  • Recent advancements in developing selective FGFR inhibitors enable clinical testing of therapeutic hypotheses.
  • The FGF/FGFR axis is a validated and actionable target for novel cancer therapies.

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