The Role of FGFR2 as a Novel Biomarker for Treatment of Gastric Cancer—A Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Gastric cancer currently has the third highest mortality rate worldwide among cancer types. Despite gradual declines in mortality rates attributed to improvements in early detection and treatment, outcomes for advanced-stage disease are still poor. The identification of new biomarkers such as fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) has opened new pathways for directed therapy in gastric cancer. Objective: This review aims to synthesize the current evidence on the role of FGFR2 in gastric cancer, focusing on its biological function and oncogenic mechanisms, diagnostic and prognostic modification, therapeutic targeting, and possible roadblocks in clinical application. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted, selecting studies published between 2015 and 2025 using the MeSH terms “FGFR2 protein, human” [Supplementary Concept]) AND “Stomach Neoplasms”. Articles were screened based on relevance to gastric cancer, language (English), and availability of full text, yielding a final selection of 75 studies, including preclinical research, clinical trials, and reviews. Findings: We compiled and reported the evidence on FGFR2 detection methods, intra-tumoral heterogeneity of FGFR2 expression, effects of FGFR2 expression on prognosis, current therapy options targeting FGFR2, and challenges in pursuing this modality of treatment. Conclusion: FGFR2 represents a promising biomarker and therapeutic target in gastric cancer.