mTOR pathway: A current, up-to-date mini-review (Review)

Paul Zarogoulidis1, Sofia Lampaki1, J Francis Turner2

  • 1Pulmonary Department-Oncology Unit, G. Papanikolaou General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 57010, Greece.

Oncology Letters
|November 1, 2014
PubMed

Insights

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is linked to lung cancer development. Inhibiting this pathway shows promise as a potential lung cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key kinase regulating cell growth, proliferation, survival, and protein synthesis.
  • The mTOR pathway is implicated in various cellular processes, including responses to hormones, growth factors, and nutrients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the association between the mTOR pathway and lung carcinogenesis.
  • To review clinical trials investigating mTOR inhibitors for lung cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on mTOR and lung cancer.
  • Analysis of the role of mTOR in lung cancer development and progression.

Main Results:

  • Preclinical studies suggest that antagonizing the mTOR pathway has an antitumor effect on lung cancer.
  • Early clinical trials indicate that mTOR inhibitors may be effective against lung carcinoma.

Conclusions:

  • The mTOR pathway is a significant factor in lung carcinogenesis.
  • mTOR inhibitors represent a potential therapeutic strategy for lung cancer.

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