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Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment
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Dysregulations in the PI3K pathway and targeted therapies for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Yi Cai1, Sonam Dodhia1, Gloria H Su1,2,3

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.

Oncotarget
|January 22, 2017
PubMed

Insights

The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway is frequently altered in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This review covers PI3K genetic alterations, targeted drugs, clinical trial results, and challenges for HNSCC treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway is the most frequently mutated pathway in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
  • Aberrant PI3K signaling drives HNSCC development and progression.
  • Targeting the PI3K pathway represents a promising therapeutic strategy for HNSCC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review genetic alterations in the PI3K pathway relevant to HNSCC.
  • To summarize the landscape of PI3K pathway inhibitors in development for HNSCC.
  • To discuss clinical trial outcomes and future challenges for PI3K-targeted therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of genetic alterations in PI3K pathway genes in HNSCC.
  • Survey of ongoing clinical trials for PI3K inhibitors in HNSCC.
  • Analysis of published clinical trial data and preclinical studies.

Main Results:

  • Detailed overview of common PI3K pathway mutations and their prevalence in HNSCC.
  • Identification of various PI3K pathway mediators targeted by novel therapeutic agents.
  • Summary of efficacy and safety data from early-phase clinical trials of PI3K inhibitors.

Conclusions:

  • PI3K pathway dysregulation is a hallmark of HNSCC, offering therapeutic targets.
  • Several PI3K inhibitors show promise, but challenges remain in optimizing their use.
  • Further research is needed to overcome resistance mechanisms and improve patient outcomes.
Keywords:
PI3K inhibitorPI3K signalingPIK3CA mutationhead and neck squamous cell carcinomapersonalized medicine

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