Expression of fibroblast growth factor receptors in hepatocellular carcinoma

Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) are generated from four genes (FGFR1/2/3/4). Alternative splicing of FGFR1-3 creates b- and c-isoforms that differ in ligand-binding and thus further enhance the complexity of FGF-signalling. FGFR-inhibition has been shown to inhibit progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in experimental models. However, existing clinical studies with mostly unspecific FGFR-pan-inhibitors in non-selected patient-cohorts have not shown beneficial effects on survival.