Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 18, 2026

Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts
10:27

Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts

Published on: July 25, 2020

Synergistic antiproliferative and antiangiogenic effects of EGFR and mTOR inhibitors

L Porcelli1, A E Quatrale, P Mantuano

  • 1Clinical Experimental Oncology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute Giovanni Paolo II, Viale O. Flacco, 65, 70124 Bari, Italy.

Current Pharmaceutical Design
|September 15, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Combining EGFR and mTOR inhibitors shows promise for cancer treatment by overcoming resistance. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm the therapeutic value of this targeted therapy approach.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Single-agent molecularly targeted therapies often fail due to resistance mechanisms.
  • Combinations of targeted agents can overcome these resistance pathways.
  • Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) are key signaling molecules in cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the potential of combining EGFR and mTOR inhibitors for cancer treatment.
  • To explore the synergistic effects of dual-targeted therapy.
  • To identify cancer types that could benefit from this combination strategy.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro and in vivo experimental models were used.
  • Studies focused on the EGFR/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling cascade.
  • Combination therapy efficacy was assessed.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests that combining EGFR and mTOR inhibitors can yield synergistic effects.
  • This combination may enhance the efficacy of individual agents.
  • The approach is particularly relevant for malignancies with deregulated EGFR/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling.

Conclusions:

  • Combination therapy targeting both EGFR and mTOR is supported by preclinical data.
  • This strategy holds potential for treating specific cancers.
  • Further clinical investigation is required to establish the therapeutic value.

More Related Videos

Potentiation of Anticancer Antibody Efficacy by Antineoplastic Drugs: Detection of Antibody-drug Synergism Using the Combination Index Equation15:04

Potentiation of Anticancer Antibody Efficacy by Antineoplastic Drugs: Detection of Antibody-drug Synergism Using the Combination Index Equation

Published on: January 19, 2019

Utilizing 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging and Quantitative Histology to Measure Dynamic Changes in the Glucose Metabolism in Mouse Models of Lung Cancer06:51

Utilizing 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging and Quantitative Histology to Measure Dynamic Changes in the Glucose Metabolism in Mouse Models of Lung Cancer

Published on: July 21, 2018

Related Concept Videos

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle02:38

Mitogens and the Cell Cycle

Mitogens and their receptors play a crucial role in controlling the progression of the cell cycle. However, the loss of mitogenic control over cell division leads to tumor formation. Therefore, mitogens and mitogen receptors play an important role in cancer research. For instance, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) - a type of mitogen and its transmembrane receptor (EGFR), decides the fate of the cell's proliferation. When EGF binds to EGFR, a member of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase...
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway01:22

PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway

The mammalian target of rapamycin  (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates growth, proliferation, and cell survival in response to hormones, growth factors, or nutrient availability. This kinase exists in two structurally and functionally distinct forms: mTOR complex 1  (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2  (mTORC2). The first form (mTORC1) is composed of a rapamycin-sensitive Raptor and proline-rich Akt substrate, PRAS40. In contrast,  mTORC2 consists of a rapamycin-insensitive companion...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Combined Effects of Drugs: Synergism01:27

Combined Effects of Drugs: Synergism

Synergism is a useful mechanism where combining two or more drugs is more effective than each constituent used alone. Such combinations are also called supra-additive interactions. The drugs collectively enhance the final therapeutic effect by acting on different targets. Another advantage is that the low dose of each constituent drug is sufficient to achieve the desired effect. This helps reduce the duration of therapy and lower the adverse effects of these drugs.
Such synergistic combinations...