Sustained response on sequential anti-FGFR therapy in metastatic gall bladder cancer: a case report and literature review

J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2023 Jul;149(8):4915-4923. doi: 10.1007/s00432-022-04428-w. Epub 2022 Oct 28.

Abstract

Purpose: Advanced gall bladder cancer (GBC) is an aggressive disease, and there is no consensus on treatment options beyond first-line chemotherapy. We report a case of an elderly male with FGFR2-altered advanced adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder who failed two prior lines of chemotherapy but had sustained response and stable disease on sequential FGFR-directed targeted therapy.

Design: We describe a case of FGFR2-altered metastatic adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder who failed two prior lines of chemotherapy. The treatment was based on comprehensive genomic profiling when the patient was found to have FGFR2 single amino acid mutation (S252W) in one of his tissue samples. A novel therapeutic regimen with sequential anti-FGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors was later initiated.

Result: The patient tolerated the sequential targeted therapy very well and had a sustained response and stable disease. He had an overall survival of nearly five years. Unfortunately, GBC is an aggressive disease, and there is no consensus on treatment options beyond first-line chemotherapy.

Conclusion: Through this patient, we demonstrate that advanced-metastatic GBC with FGFR alterations can be maintained on anti-FGFR therapy for prolonged periods of time, with improved survival. Therefore, we endorse the need for comprehensive genomic profiling in advanced-metastatic GBC and the need to study the role of FGFR inhibitors as a viable treatment option in these patients.

Keywords: Futibatinib; Gallbladder cancer; Pathway resistance; Pemigatinib; Sequential anti-FGFR therapy.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma*
  • Aged
  • Gallbladder Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Gallbladder Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mutation