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The Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt Signaling Pathway in Neuroendocrine Tumors

Yash R Somnay1, Muthusamy Kunnimalaiyaan1

  • 1Endocrine Surgery Research Laboratories, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and the UW Carbone Cancer Center, Madison 53705, USA.

Global Journal of Biochemistry
|December 20, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Targeting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt pathway may effectively treat neuroendocrine tumors. Inhibiting this pathway can reduce tumor growth and improve patient outcomes in carcinoids and small cell lung cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Therapeutics

Background:

  • Aberrant activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt pathway is common in neuroendocrine cancers.
  • This pathway plays a crucial role in the malignant transformation of neuroendocrine tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of the PI3K-Akt pathway in neuroendocrine tumor progression.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting this pathway in neuroendocrine-derived cancers.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating the PI3K-Akt pathway in neuroendocrine tumors.
  • Analysis of the implications of PI3K-Akt pathway dysregulation in carcinoids and small cell lung cancers.

Main Results:

  • The PI3K-Akt pathway is frequently overactive in neuroendocrine tumors, driving malignant transformation.
  • Selective inhibition of the PI3K-Akt pathway shows promise in preclinical and clinical settings.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting the PI3K-Akt pathway with small-molecule inhibitors is a viable therapeutic strategy for neuroendocrine tumors.
  • This approach may reduce tumor burden, enhance other therapies, and manage symptoms in patients with advanced disease.
Keywords:
ASCL1AktCarcinoidsChromogranin ANE TumorsNotch pathwayRaf-1 pathwaySCLC

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