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Therapeutic targets: MTOR and related pathways

Janet E Dancey1

  • 1Investigational Drug Branch/CTEP/DCTD, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland 20852, USA. danceyj@mail.nih.gov

Cancer Biology & Therapy
|September 14, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors show promise as anticancer drugs. Clinical trials indicate these agents are well-tolerated and can stabilize or reduce tumors in cancer patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key protein kinase in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway.
  • mTOR plays a critical role in regulating malignant cell growth, making it a significant target for cancer therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of mTOR in cancer.
  • To discuss current mTOR inhibitors in clinical trials.
  • To summarize preclinical and clinical findings on mTOR inhibitors.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical studies on mTOR inhibitor sensitivity.
  • Analysis of clinical trial data for mTOR inhibitors.
  • Evaluation of safety and efficacy of mTOR inhibitors in cancer patients.

Main Results:

  • Several mTOR inhibitors, including rapamycin, temsirolimus, everolimus, and AP23573, are under clinical investigation.
  • Preclinical data suggest sensitivity to mTOR inhibitors may be linked to PI3K pathway activation or specific protein expressions.
  • Clinical trials demonstrate that mTOR inhibitors are generally well-tolerated and can lead to stable disease or tumor regression.

Conclusions:

  • mTOR inhibitors represent a promising class of anticancer agents.
  • Further research is needed to optimize treatment schedules, patient selection, and combination strategies for mTOR inhibitors.

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