In Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor (FGFR)
Breast Cancer, and multiple other cancers, the fibroblast growth factor
receptor tends to be dysregulated. Various classes of FGFR inhibitors are under
clinical development for different tumor types, including breast cancer.
It appears
that the irregular signal transmission in FGFR
Breast Cancer patients plays an important role in tumor development and
progression. According to numerous studies, it has been proven that deregulation
of the tyrosine kinase growth factor receptors is a common oncogenic event in
breast cancer.
What is a Growth Factor Receptor?
In the most
general terms, cells must meet stimuli, such as hormones and growth factors,
coming from the external environment on the cell surface, in order to carry out
vital functions. The message they receive from these warnings must also be
transmitted to the cell. The structures on the cell surface to which molecules
coming from the external environment bind to the cells are called receptors.
Some receptors are found in the cytoplasm or nucleus inside the cell, not on
the cell surface.
The
receptors to which growth factors that support cell division bind are called
growth factor receptors. Growth factors in the microenvironment outside of the
cell binds to the growth factor receptor and enables the receptor to become
active.
The
receptor has a tyrosine kinase domain inside the cell. These regions enable a
number of intracellular proteins to be activated. The signals received from the
outer part of the cell, by means of proteins, are then transmitted via internal
signaling pathways to affect cell function. Proteins that bind to certain
regions of DNA enable genes related to cell proliferation, differentiation, and
other vital activities to be activated.
FGFR Breast Cancer Relationship
During
normal cell functioning, growth factor receptors become active in certain
situations and allow the cell to reproduce. However, with the accumulation of
DNA damage or mutation, changes occur in the receptors. As a result of these
changes, the receptor becomes constantly active and sends a continuous
proliferation signal to the cell. In this case, cancerous cell formation
occurs.
The
fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) family includes five transmembrane
receptors with tyrosine kinase activity in all receptors except for one.
Substantial research on cancer cells confirm the essential role of FGFR
signaling in cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and survival. According
to the results of these targeted clinical treatment studies, focus on FGFR
inhibitors in breast cancer are ongoing.
Breast cancer is a complex disease and some molecular factors regulate its progression. Fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling is often erratic in many cancers, including breast cancer. Because FGFR signals are involved in the pathogenesis and progression of tumors, FGFR targeted agents reveal a potential therapeutic option for breast cancer patients.
With the development of genetic testing techniques, mutations in the genes that enable the production of receptors have been identified and drugs are being produced for these mutations. Targeted drugs bind to mutated receptors and growth factors, preventing the cancer cell from growing aggressively
