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Updated: May 22, 2026
Generation of Microtumors Using 3D Human Biogel Culture System and Patient-derived Glioblastoma Cells for Kinomic Profiling and Drug Response Testing
Published on: June 9, 2016
Current clinical development of PI3K pathway inhibitors in glioblastoma
Patrick Y Wen1, Eudocia Q Lee, David A Reardon
1Center For Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA. pwen@partners.org
Abstract:
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and lethal primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system, and effective therapeutic options are lacking. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway is frequently dysregulated in many human cancers, including GBM. Agents inhibiting PI3K and its effectors have demonstrated preliminary activity in various tumor types and have the potential to change the clinical treatment landscape of patients with solid tumors. In this review, we describe the activation of the PI3K pathway in GBM, explore why inhibition of this pathway may be a compelling therapeutic target for this disease, and provide an update of the data on PI3K inhibitors in clinical trials and from earlier investigation.
Insights
Glioblastoma treatment is limited, but the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway shows promise. Inhibiting PI3K may offer new therapeutic strategies for this aggressive brain cancer.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Molecular Therapeutics
Background:
- Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive primary brain tumor with limited effective treatments.
- The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway is frequently activated in GBM, contributing to tumor growth and survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of PI3K pathway dysregulation in GBM.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of PI3K inhibitors for GBM treatment.
- To provide an update on PI3K inhibitors in clinical development for solid tumors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications.
- Analysis of preclinical data on PI3K pathway activation in GBM.
- Summary of clinical trial data for PI3K inhibitors.
Main Results:
- The PI3K pathway is a common driver of GBM.
- PI3K inhibitors have shown preliminary efficacy in various cancers.
- Several PI3K inhibitors are currently in clinical trials for solid tumors.
Conclusions:
- Targeting the PI3K pathway represents a promising therapeutic strategy for GBM.
- Further investigation and clinical trials are warranted to establish the role of PI3K inhibitors in GBM treatment.
