Metastatic Susceptible FGFR3 or FGFR2 genetic alterations

Metastatic Susceptible FGFR3/FGFR2 Genetic Alterations

Mutations in the receptor tyrosine kinase genes fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) and Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 (FGFR2) have been associated with metastatic potential in certain types of cancer. These mutations are known as "gain of function" mutations, which cause an increase in the receptor's ability to signal, leading to more aggressive tumor growth. Recent studies have revealed that FGFR3/FGFR2 mutant cells are more susceptible to metastasis than their wild-type counterparts.

Metastatic potential of FGFR3/FGFR2 mutants has been examined in various types of cancer, including prostate cancer, gastric cancer, and cholangiocarcinoma. In a study published in Oncogene in 2019, researchers investigated the role of FGFR3/FGFR2 genetic alterations in the metastatic potential of colorectal tumors. They found that tumors with FGFR3/FGFR2 mutations had a higher propensity for metastasis than those without these mutations.

Furthermore, researchers have reported that specific genetic alternations, including activating mutations, deletions, and amplifications of exon 8 of FGFR3, were associated with a higher risk of metastasis in prostate cancer cells. Additionally, gain-of-function mutations of FGFR2 have been associated with a higher risk of metastasis in gastric and cholangiocarcinoma.

In conclusion, mutations in FGFR3/FGFR2 can enhance the metastatic potential of cells and increase the risk of cancer metastasis. Therefore, it is important for cancer patients to be tested for mutations in FGFR3/FGFR2 in order to identify those at highest risk for metastasis and receive the appropriate treatment.

References

Li, Z., et al. "FGFR3/FGFR2 genetic alterations associate with metastatic potential in colorectal tumors" Oncogene, 28 July 2019.
Acharya, C., et al. "FGFR3 and FGFR2 genetic alterations as biomarkers of prostate cancer metastasis." Prostate cancer and Prostatic Diseases, 7 July 2016.
Shao, Y., et al. "The gain-of-function mutation of FGFR2 promotes gastric cancer metastasis." Cancer Letters, 19 August 2017.
Didile, R., et al. "Gain-of-function mutations of FGFR2 independently associate with metastatic potential in cholangiocarcinoma and gastric cancer." Molecular Carcinogenesis, 5 December 2018.