FAK-targeted and combination therapies for the treatment of cancer: an overview of phase I and II clinical trials

Introduction: Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a promising target for the treatment of solid tumors because its expression has been linked to tumor progression, invasion, and drug resistance. Several FAK inhibitors have been developed and tested for efficacy in treating advanced cancers. Four FAK inhibitors have shown promising preclinical data and have advanced to clinical development in solid tumors. Areas covered: This article provides a systematic review on FAK inhibitors that have been tested or are currently in clinical trials in advanced solid tumors. We discuss the efficacy of GSK2256098, PF-00562271, VS-6063, and BI 853520 in the preclinical setting and summarize the results of phase I/II clinical trials evaluating these compounds. Expert opinion: The FAK inhibitors examined in clinical trials thus far have been shown to have manageable toxicity profiles and have demonstrated cytostatic effects as single agents, extending progression-free survival without producing a clinical or radiographic response. Trials are currently underway to strengthen the efficacy of treatment by combining FAK inhibitors with cytotoxic chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. In the future, prognostic markers must be identified to carefully select patients who could benefit from FAK inhibitor treatment alone or in combination strategies.