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Molecular mechanisms of tumor resistance to PI3K-mTOR-targeted therapy
1Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Biopolis, Singapore. tanj@gis.a-star.edu.sg
Abstract:
Deregulation of the phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway occurs frequently in a wide range of human cancers and is a major driving force in tumorigenesis. Thus, small molecules targeting this pathway are under active development as anticancer therapeutics. Although small-molecule inhibitors of the PI3K-mTOR pathway have shown promising clinical efficacy against human cancers, the emergence of drug resistance may limit their success in the clinic. To date, several resistance mechanisms, including both PI3K-dependent and -independent mechanisms, have been described. Here, we summarize the current understanding of resistance mechanisms to PI3K-mTOR inhibitors and discuss potential strategies for overcoming resistance for potential clinical application.
Insights
Drug resistance limits the success of PI3K-mTOR inhibitors in cancer treatment. Understanding PI3K-dependent and -independent resistance mechanisms is crucial for developing strategies to overcome them.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is frequently deregulated in human cancers.
- This pathway is a key driver of tumorigenesis, making it a target for anticancer drug development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current knowledge of resistance mechanisms to PI3K-mTOR inhibitors.
- To discuss strategies for overcoming drug resistance for improved clinical application.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of PI3K-mTOR inhibitor resistance mechanisms.
- Analysis of PI3K-dependent and -independent resistance pathways.
Main Results:
- Small-molecule inhibitors targeting the PI3K-mTOR pathway show clinical efficacy.
- Drug resistance, driven by various mechanisms, can limit therapeutic success.
Conclusions:
- Understanding resistance mechanisms is essential for effective cancer therapy.
- Developing strategies to overcome resistance is critical for the clinical application of PI3K-mTOR inhibitors.
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