Role of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 in Pancreatic Cancer: Potential Target for New Therapeutic Approach?

Fibroblast growth factors and their receptors play a key role in cell proliferation, migration and differentiation. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) is involved in carcinogenesis and its altered expression has been shown in several tumors, such as breast, thyroid and pancreatic cancer. The two isoforms of FGFR2 gene, FGFR2IIIb (also known as KGFR) and FGFR2-IIIc have been shown to exert differential roles in pancreatic cancer. FGFR2IIIc supports pancreatic cell proliferation, while overexpression of FGFR2-IIIb is correlated to major invasion and metastasis formation. This review focuses on the role of FGFR2 signaling in pancreatic adenocarcinoma and the potential use of FGFR2 tissutal expression as a predictive and/or prognostic marker. Moreover, it will discuss about the potential use of strategies for FGFR2 signaling inhibition in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.