[PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway: Description, therapeutic development, resistance, predictive/prognostic biomarkers and...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Cancer Signaling

Background:

• The Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (PI3K-AKT-mTOR) pathway is a key regulator of cancer cell growth, proliferation, and survival.
• This pathway can be activated through extracellular signals (e.g., tyrosine kinase receptors) or intracellular mechanisms involving aberrant proteins.
• mTOR inhibitors are increasingly utilized in oncology, but the development of resistance necessitates further research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway in cancer.
• To discuss the clinical applications and limitations of current mTOR inhibitors.
• To highlight the need for improved understanding of biomarkers for mTOR inhibitor therapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway signaling in cancer.
• Analysis of current and emerging mTOR inhibitors in oncological applications.
• Examination of resistance mechanisms and biomarker development.

Main Results:

• The PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway is frequently dysregulated in various cancers, driving tumor progression.
• Resistance to mTOR inhibitors is a significant clinical challenge, prompting the development of next-generation agents.
• Identifying predictive and prognostic biomarkers is essential for optimizing patient selection and treatment strategies.

Conclusions:

• The PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway remains a critical target in cancer therapy.
• Further research into biomarkers is crucial for personalized medicine approaches using mTOR inhibitors.
• Understanding resistance mechanisms will guide the development of more effective cancer treatments.