Potential for Targeting the Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors in Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer of women, accounting yearly for approximately 30% of newly diagnosed cases and ranking second as a cause of death. Despite improvements in breast cancer detection and development of new therapeutic approaches, there are still tumors for which no targeted therapies are available. This review summarizes recent findings on the fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR) and the data supporting their role in breast cancer. We will describe the approaches being made to develop therapeutics targeting these receptors. Finally, to improve the chances for success with FGFR signal transduction inhibitors, strategies to choose appropriate breast cancer patients for treatment will be discussed.