Current insights and barriers in FGFR-mediated signaling in lung cancer

Lung cancer remains a significant health challenge, with fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling emerging as a critical player in its pathogenesis. This review examines FGFR's roles in endothelial function, angiogenesis, immune modulation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and transdifferentiation in lung cancer. Moreover, FGFR signaling is implicated in resistance to receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), particularly those targeting EGFR, ALK, and MET, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and chemotherapies in lung cancer. Furthermore, therapeutic approaches targeting FGFR include multitarget TKIs and selective FGFR inhibitors, which have shown promise in individuals with FGFR alterations. The side effects of FGFR inhibitors in clinical settings and associated management strategies have also been outlined. Additionally, challenges in personalizing FGFR therapies include variable FGFR alterations, diagnostic hurdles, biomarker selection and validation, and trial design intricacies. This comprehensive overview underscores the necessity for innovative approaches to optimize FGFR-targeted therapies in lung cancer treatment.