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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts
Published on: July 25, 2020
Recent clinical trials of mTOR-targeted cancer therapies
Aruni S Arachchige Don1, X F Steven Zheng
1Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Department of Pharmacology, UMDNJ-Robert Wood, Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
Abstract:
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a central component within a complex intracellular signaling network that regulates various processes including cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, and angiogenesis. A hyperactive PI3k/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway is found in many human cancers and alterations in this pathway is associated with the development and progression of cancer. Drugs that target and inhibit mTOR activity are therefore expected to provide therapeutic value in a number of cancer types. Several classes of mTOR-targeted therapeutics are currently being evaluated in cancer clinical trials, including the rapamycins, dual PI3K-mTOR inhibitors, and ATP-competitive mTORC1/2 inhibitors. This review summarizes important findings from recently completed trials of mTOR inhibitors and also discusses preliminary data from ongoing trials.
Insights
Targeting the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway shows therapeutic promise for cancer. This review covers recent clinical trial findings for mTOR inhibitors in various cancer types.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is crucial for cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, and angiogenesis.
- Hyperactivation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway is implicated in the development and progression of many human cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent clinical trial findings for mTOR inhibitors in cancer treatment.
- To discuss preliminary data from ongoing trials evaluating mTOR-targeted therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Review of completed and ongoing clinical trials involving mTOR inhibitors.
- Analysis of data from rapamycins, dual PI3K-mTOR inhibitors, and ATP-competitive mTORC1/2 inhibitors.
Main Results:
- mTOR inhibitors are being evaluated in clinical trials for various cancer types.
- Different classes of mTOR inhibitors show potential therapeutic value.
Conclusions:
- Targeting the mTOR pathway represents a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer.
- Ongoing clinical trials will further elucidate the efficacy and safety of mTOR inhibitors.
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