PI3K/Akt/mTOR: A promising therapeutic target for non-medullary thyroid carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Oncology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Thyroid carcinoma (TC) is the most common endocrine malignancy, often driven by complex genetic alterations.
• Key oncogenic pathways, including the MAP kinase (MAPK) and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways, are frequently activated in TC pathogenesis.
• The PI3K/Akt pathway is particularly implicated in follicular and advanced anaplastic or poorly differentiated TC, associated with poor prognosis and resistance to radioactive iodine therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent developments on the role of the PI3K/Akt pathway in the pathogenesis of non-medullary TC.
• To explore the potential of targeting the PI3K/Akt pathway for systemic therapy in advanced TC.
• To provide insights into multimodal therapeutic strategies involving the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Main Methods:

• Review of preclinical and clinical data on the PI3K/Akt pathway in TC.
• Analysis of the role of PI3K/Akt pathway activation in TC development and progression.
• Evaluation of therapeutic strategies targeting the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Main Results:

• The PI3K/Akt pathway is a significant contributor to the pathogenesis of non-medullary TC.
• Preclinical and clinical data suggest the PI3K/Akt pathway is a viable target for systemic therapy in TC.
• Orally available drugs targeting this pathway show success in other malignancies.

Conclusions:

• The PI3K/Akt pathway represents a promising therapeutic target for advanced TC.
• Targeting the PI3K/Akt pathway, alone or in combination therapies, may improve outcomes for patients with advanced TC.
• Further research into multimodal strategies involving the PI3K/Akt pathway is warranted for TC treatment.