FAK / ILK (Focal Adhesion Kinase / Integrin-Linked Kinase)

Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) and Integrin-Linked Kinase (ILK) are kinases located at focal adhesions that transduce integrin–ECM engagement into intracellular survival signaling. Loss of this signaling upon detachment is a key trigger for anoikis, so cancer cells that hijack FAK-SRC signaling (often alongside EGFR-Ras and PI3K-Akt) can survive detachment and resist anoikis.

FAK is consequently a therapeutic target: the FAK+MEK inhibitor combination defactinib + avutometinib produced a 45% response rate in low-grade ovarian serous cancer, versus 10% with monotherapy, earning FDA breakthrough therapy designation.