Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Povidone Iodine Rectal Preparation at Time of Prostate Needle Biopsy is a Simple and Reproducible Means to Reduce Risk of Procedural Infection
Published on: September 21, 2015
Between bench and bed side: PI3K inhibitors
Luis Paz-Ares1, Amancio Carnero
1Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio, Sevilla, Spain.
Abstract:
The PI3K pathway constitutes an important pathway for regulating the signaling of multiple essential biological processes for which deregulation might contribute to cancer. As such, the PI3K pathway is one of the most frequently altered pathways in human tumors, providing constitutive pathway activation. The evidence indicates that the PI3K pathway is a potential target for cancer chemotherapy. Indeed, many companies and academic laboratories have initiated a variety of approaches to inhibit the pathway at different points. These proteins are kinases, which are very "druggable" targets a priori and, according to the "addiction hypothesis," cancer cells with this pathway activated will be more dependent upon this pathway for their survival. In this work, we will focus on PI3K protein as a major target for therapeutic intervention. We thoroughly review the clinical achievements and major concerns raised by the pharmacological intervention of PI3Ks.
Insights
The PI3K pathway is crucial in cancer development and survival. Targeting PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) offers a promising therapeutic strategy, but clinical applications face challenges.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway regulates essential cellular processes.
- Deregulation of the PI3K pathway is implicated in numerous human cancers, leading to constitutive activation.
- This pathway's frequent alteration in tumors makes it a significant target for cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical achievements of targeting the PI3K pathway in cancer.
- To discuss the major concerns associated with pharmacological PI3K inhibition.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical studies and research on PI3K inhibitors.
- Analysis of the PI3K pathway's role in cancer and its therapeutic potential.
Main Results:
- The PI3K pathway is a highly "druggable" target due to its kinase nature.
- Cancer cells often exhibit "addiction" to activated PI3K signaling for survival.
- Numerous therapeutic strategies are being developed to inhibit PI3K at various points.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacological intervention of PI3Ks shows promise in cancer treatment.
- Clinical application of PI3K inhibitors requires careful consideration of associated concerns.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors
Phosphoinositides and PIPs
Different phosphoinositides are synthesized and recruited on the cytosolic face of the plasma membrane. The localization of specific phosphoinositides concentrated in separate membrane...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...

