Fibroblast growth factor receptors in breast cancer: expression, downstream effects, and possible drug targets

Endocr Relat Cancer. 2012 Jun 18;19(4):R115-29. doi: 10.1530/ERC-12-0060. Print 2012 Aug.

Abstract

Cancer treatments are increasingly focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying the oncogenic processes present in tumors of individual patients. Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) are among the many molecules that are involved in oncogenesis and are currently under investigation for their potential as drug targets in breast cancer patients. These receptor tyrosine kinases play a role in several processes including proliferation, angiogenesis, and migration. Alterations in these basal processes can contribute to the development and progression of tumors. Among breast cancer patients, several subgroups have been shown to harbor genetic aberrations in FGFRs, including amplifications of FGFR1, FGFR2, and FGFR4 and mutations in FGFR2 and FGFR4. Here, we review in vitro and in vivo models that have partly elucidated the molecular implications of these different genetic aberrations, the resulting tumor characteristics, and the potential of FGFRs as therapeutic targets for breast cancer treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / physiology
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Carcinoma / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma / genetics
  • Drug Discovery* / methods
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy* / methods
  • Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor / genetics
  • Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor / metabolism
  • Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor / physiology*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor