Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 1, 2026
Author Spotlight: Exploring the Role of FAM83A in Cervical Cancer
Published on: February 9, 2024
FGFR3-TACC3: A novel gene fusion in cervical cancer
Benedito A Carneiro1, Julia A Elvin2, Suneel D Kamath3
1Northwestern Medicine Developmental Therapeutics Institute, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University 645 N Michigan Ave Suite 1006 Chicago, IL, 60611, Unites States.
Abstract:
Cervical cancer epitomizes the success of cancer prevention through the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, but significant challenges remain in the treatment of advanced disease. We report the first three cases of cervical carcinoma harboring an FGFR3-TACC3 fusion, which serves as a novel therapeutic target. The fusion, identified by comprehensive genomic profiling, activates the FGFR pathway that has been implicated in HPV-driven carcinogenesis. One of the patients whose tumor contained the FGFR3-TACC3 fusion was treated with an investigational FGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Concomitant molecular alterations involving the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAF/MEK pathways were also identified and suggest other treatment strategies that deserve investigation. This case series highlights the role of comprehensive genomic profiling in the identification of new therapeutic targets and in targeted therapy selection for patients with cervical cancer.
Insights
Cervical cancer treatment advanced with the discovery of an FGFR3-TACC3 fusion, a new target for therapies. Comprehensive genomic profiling identified this fusion, paving the way for personalized treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cervical cancer prevention is highly successful due to the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, yet advanced stages present treatment challenges.
- The HPV vaccine has significantly reduced cervical cancer incidence, but effective treatments for advanced disease are still needed.
Observation:
- Three cases of advanced cervical carcinoma with an FGFR3-TACC3 gene fusion were identified.
- This fusion activates the FGFR pathway, a known factor in HPV-driven cancers.
- Comprehensive genomic profiling was used to detect the FGFR3-TACC3 fusion.
Findings:
- The FGFR3-TACC3 fusion represents a novel therapeutic target in cervical cancer.
- One patient with the fusion received an investigational FGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor.
- Additional molecular alterations in PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAF/MEK pathways were observed, suggesting further therapeutic avenues.
Implications:
- Comprehensive genomic profiling is crucial for identifying new therapeutic targets in cervical cancer.
- Targeted therapies based on genomic alterations can guide treatment selection for advanced cervical cancer patients.
- The identification of the FGFR3-TACC3 fusion opens new possibilities for treating advanced cervical cancer.
Related Concept Videos
01:20The Retinoblastoma Gene
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
01:03Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) and Cancer
RSV is a retrovirus that contains two copies of a plus-strand RNA genome. Its genome consists of four main open...