Gene Mutations in the FGF-MAPK Signaling Pathway and Targeted Therapy in Ameloblastoma

Abstract

Ameloblastoma is one of the most common odontogenic tumors in Asia. In the past decade, many studies have shown gene mutations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, especially on an extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathway. Mutations of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2), rat sarcoma virus (RAS), and B-rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (BRAF) are able to cause a continuous activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, hence uncontrolled tumor cell proliferation. Due to the ERK1/2 signaling pathway role in cell growth and cell survival, upregulation of this pathway can cause approximately one-third of human tumors including ameloblastoma. After the discovery of gene mutations in several cancers, many inhibitors have been designed to target these mutations. We, here, reviewed the alteration of the FGF-MAPK signaling pathway in ameloblastoma and targeted treatment used as an adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy for ameloblastoma especially in cases where wide surgical resection is needed.