FGFR2-Rearranged Biliary Tract Cancer: Biology, Resistance Mechanisms, and Emerging Therapeutic Strategies

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) rearrangements represent one of the most actionable molecular alterations in biliary tract cancer, particularly in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). Approximately 10-16% of iCCA cases harbor FGFR2 fusions or rearrangements, defining a distinct molecular subtype characterized by sensitivity to FGFR-targeted therapies. Selective FGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, including the reversible inhibitor pemigatinib and the irreversible inhibitor futibatinib, have demonstrated clinically meaningful response rates and durable disease control in patients with previously treated FGFR2-altered iCCA, leading to regulatory approvals and the incorporation of FGFR inhibition into contemporary treatment paradigms. However, the development of acquired resistance-most commonly driven by secondary kinase-domain mutations and activation of bypass signaling pathways-remains a major limitation to sustained therapeutic benefit. This review summarizes the biological basis of FGFR2 alterations, highlights current clinical evidence supporting FGFR inhibition, and discusses the evolving landscape of resistance mechanisms. We further examine emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at overcoming resistance, including next-generation FGFR inhibitors and rational combination approaches. In addition, we highlight the growing role of circulating tumor DNA as a noninvasive tool for longitudinal molecular monitoring and treatment guidance. Together, these insights underscore the central role of FGFR2-directed therapy in precision oncology for biliary tract cancer and provide a framework for optimizing and extending targeted treatment in this molecularly defined disease subset.

Indexed on Europe PMC as PubMed record 41682001 (DOI 10.3390/cancers18030531). Its title names FGFR2 and its text names Biliary tract cancer; PubMed types it as a review (review-article, Review). It was matched automatically to the idea "ctDNA-guided switching among FGFR inhibitors" and no figure has been checked by an editor.