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The PI3K-AKt-mTOR Pathway and New Tools to Prevent Acquired Hormone Resistance in Breast Cancer

Andrea Nicolini1, Paola Ferrari, Lucie Kotlarova

  • 1Department of Oncology, Transplantations and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy. andrea.nicolini@med.unipi.it.

Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
|July 24, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Acquired hormone resistance in breast cancer is a challenge, but PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway inhibitors offer new hope. This review explores their efficacy, resistance mechanisms, and potential therapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Acquired hormone resistance remains a significant challenge in breast cancer treatment.
  • Activation of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway is a key mechanism for tumor escape from hormone dependence.
  • The BOLERO-2 study demonstrated improved progression-free survival with everolimus and exemestane in advanced breast cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical trial results of PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway inhibitors.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms of resistance to these novel drugs.
  • To discuss potential therapeutic strategies to overcome resistance and an immunological approach.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical trial data for PI3K-AKT-mTOR inhibitors.
  • Analysis of basic research on resistance mechanisms.
  • Discussion of emerging therapeutic strategies and immunological approaches.

Main Results:

  • PI3K-AKT-mTOR inhibitors represent a promising new class of drugs for hormone-resistant breast cancer.
  • Emergence of resistance to these inhibitors is a growing concern, evidenced in both preclinical and clinical studies.
  • Understanding resistance mechanisms is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies.

Conclusions:

  • PI3K-AKT-mTOR inhibitors have shown clinical relevance in treating advanced breast cancer with acquired endocrine resistance.
  • Resistance to PI3K-AKT-mTOR inhibitors necessitates further research into underlying mechanisms and novel therapeutic interventions.
  • Immunological approaches may offer a complementary strategy to delay acquired hormone resistance.

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