FGF receptor inhibitors: role in cancer therapy

The fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathway is implicated as a key driver of tumor progression and growth via the dysregulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and angiogenesis in multiple tumor types. In addition, it may serve as a mechanism of resistance to antivascular endothelial growth factor targeted therapy. As such this pathway has emerged as a relevant therapeutic target, and several agents that can inhibit or modulate its signaling are in various stages of development. This review will summarize the current clinical status of agents targeting FGF receptors. In addition, strategies to accelerate the clinical development of these targeted agents will be presented.