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Targeting the Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor (FGFR) Family in Lung Cancer

Laura Pacini1, Andrew D Jenks1, Nadia Carvalho Lima1

  • 1Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, UK.

Cells
|June 2, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) alterations drive lung cancer, but targeted therapies face resistance. New strategies are needed to overcome these mechanisms and improve treatment efficacy for patients with lung cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide.
  • Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) aberrations are implicated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) initiation, progression, and resistance to targeted therapies like epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Kirsten rat sarcoma 2 viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) inhibitors.
  • FGFR alterations represent a clinically relevant target in lung cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the landscape of FGFR aberrations in lung cancer.
  • To examine the targeted therapies for FGFR alterations currently under clinical evaluation.
  • To discuss resistance mechanisms and strategies to overcome them, including biomarker development for personalized treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on FGFR aberrations and targeted therapies in lung cancer.
  • Analysis of resistance mechanisms to FGFR inhibitors, including on-target mutations and bypass signaling pathways.
  • Discussion of therapeutic strategies and biomarker development for FGFR-targeted treatments.

Main Results:

  • Despite preclinical promise, clinical trials show limited efficacy of FGFR inhibitors in lung cancer patients with FGFR alterations.
  • Intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms, such as FGFR gatekeeper mutations and activation of alternative receptor tyrosine kinases, limit treatment effectiveness.
  • Understanding these resistance mechanisms is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting FGFR is a relevant strategy for lung cancer, but resistance remains a significant challenge.
  • Further research into resistance mechanisms and the development of predictive biomarkers are essential for personalizing FGFR inhibitor therapy.
  • Combination strategies and novel therapeutic approaches are needed to improve outcomes for patients with FGFR-altered lung cancer.
Keywords:
FGFRdrug resistancelung cancertyrosine kinase inhibitors

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