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PI3K pathway in gynecologic malignancies
Helga B Salvesen1, Henrica Maria Werner, Camilla Krakstad
1From the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
Abstract:
Alterations in PI3K signaling are common in gynecologic malignancies. Alterations detected vary with gynecologic cancer type, histologic subtypes within these, and clinical phenotypes. The distinction into type I and type II endometrial and ovarian carcinomas is reflected in distribution of changes detected in several of the PI3K members. PIK3CA mutations and amplifications are common in endometrial, ovarian, and cervical cancers. PTEN mutations and deletions are frequent in endometrial cancers. Several immunohistochemical studies of protein expression have explored these and other potential surrogate markers for PI3K pathway activation. Biomarkers to measure level of PI3K activity in clinical samples are not established. Whether amplifications, mutations, and deletions of the PI3K pathway members, and in particular change in their expression levels, result in clinically relevant pathway activation needs to be further explored. Also, to what extent these alterations drive the tumor behavior and are critical targets for therapeutics to improve patient survival needs to be further tested to establish predictive biomarkers for response to PI3K inhibition.
Insights
Alterations in the PI3K pathway are common in gynecologic cancers like endometrial and ovarian types. Further research is needed to understand how these genetic changes impact tumor behavior and guide PI3K inhibitor therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Gynecologic Oncology
Background:
- Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway alterations are frequently observed in various gynecologic malignancies.
- The specific PI3K pathway alterations differ based on cancer type, histologic subtype, and clinical presentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the landscape of PI3K pathway alterations in gynecologic cancers.
- To explore the clinical relevance of these alterations and their potential as predictive biomarkers for PI3K inhibitor therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating PI3K pathway member alterations (mutations, amplifications, deletions) in endometrial, ovarian, and cervical cancers.
- Analysis of immunohistochemical studies assessing protein expression as surrogate markers for PI3K pathway activation.
Main Results:
- PIK3CA mutations and amplifications are prevalent in endometrial, ovarian, and cervical cancers.
- PTEN mutations and deletions are common in endometrial cancers.
- Current biomarkers for PI3K activity in clinical samples are not well-established.
Conclusions:
- The clinical significance of PI3K pathway member alterations and their impact on tumor behavior requires further investigation.
- Establishing predictive biomarkers for PI3K inhibitor response is crucial for improving patient outcomes in gynecologic malignancies.
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