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Targeting the fibroblast growth factor receptors for the treatment of cancer

Steven M Lemieux1, M Kyle Hadden

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, 69 N Eagleville Rd, Unit 3092, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.

Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
|January 1, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are crucial for cell growth but drive cancer when mutated. This review explores fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitors as potential anti-cancer agents.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Drug Discovery

Background:

  • Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) regulate cell proliferation, growth, differentiation, and angiogenesis.
  • RTK dysfunction, including upregulation or mutation, is implicated in human cancer development.
  • Previous research focused on inhibitors for VEGFRs, EGFRs, and PDGFRs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current development of small molecules and antibodies targeting fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs).
  • To provide insight into FGFR inhibitors as potential anti-cancer agents.
  • To highlight the role of FGFR signaling in malignancies like breast and prostate cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of small molecule and antibody-based FGFR inhibitors.
  • Analysis of FGFR signaling pathways in cancer.
  • Evaluation of the therapeutic potential of FGFR inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • FGFRs are increasingly recognized as critical drug targets in oncology.
  • Dysregulation of FGFR signaling is linked to various cancers.
  • Development of both small molecule and antibody inhibitors for FGFRs is advancing.

Conclusions:

  • FGFR inhibitors represent a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
  • Further research and development are needed to optimize FGFR-targeted therapies.
  • Targeting FGFRs holds potential for treating malignancies including breast and prostate cancer.

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