Targeting the FGFR Pathway in Urothelial Carcinoma: the Future Is Now

Opinion statement As we come to better understand cancer genomics, we are increasingly shifting towards precision medicine. FGFR has been elucidated as one of the oncogenic driver pathways in urothelial carcinoma, leading to exciting targeted drug development. Although many agents are being investigated, erdafitinib is the only FGFR inhibitor currently approved by the FDA for treating platinum-refractory metastatic urothelial carcinoma harboring susceptible FGFR2/3 alterations, with seemingly higher response rates than second-line chemotherapy or immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize the clinical data supporting FGFR inhibition, ways to optimize its use in routine clinical practice including FGFR testing, dosing, and toxicity management. We also highlight ongoing efforts evaluating combination strategies and testing in earlier treatment settings to further expand this targeted therapeutic approach in urothelial carcinoma.

Automated summary

As our understanding of cancer genomics improves, precision medicine is becoming more popular. FGFR has been identified as one of the oncogenic driver pathways in urothelial carcinoma, and targeted drug development has shown promise. Erdafitinib is the only FGFR inhibitor currently approved by FDA for platinum-refractory metastatic urothelial carcinoma with FGFR2/3 alterations, and it has shown higher response rates compared to second-line chemotherapy or immunotherapy. This review summarizes the clinical data supporting FGFR inhibition and discusses ways to optimize its use in routine clinical practice.