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Targeting AMPK: a new therapeutic opportunity in breast cancer

Sirwan M Hadad1, Stewart Fleming, Alastair M Thompson

  • 1Department of Surgery and Molecular Oncology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom. s.hadad@dundee.ac.uk

Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
|March 18, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Targeting the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian Target Of Rapamycin (mTOR) pathway shows therapeutic potential for breast cancer intervention. Metformin

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Dysregulation of the mammalian Target Of Rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is implicated in breast cancer development.
  • The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway is being investigated as a complementary target for breast cancer therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence for targeting the AMPK/mTOR pathway in breast cancer.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of interventions targeting this pathway, including metformin.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review using Medline and Pubmed databases.
  • Hand searching of reference lists from key publications.

Main Results:

  • In vitro and epidemiological data support targeting the AMPK/mTOR pathway in breast cancer.
  • Metformin's anti-proliferative effects, mediated by AMPK activation, are observed in diabetic patients with lower cancer incidence.

Conclusions:

  • There is a consensus for targeting the AMPK/mTOR pathway in breast cancer.
  • Further research is needed to explore metformin's anticancer effects and its potential in targeting the AMPK/mTOR pathway for therapeutic benefit.

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