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Updated: Dec 29, 2025

Development and Maintenance of a Preclinical Patient Derived Tumor Xenograft Model for the Investigation of Novel Anti-Cancer Therapies
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PIK3CA gene aberrancy and role in targeted therapy of solid malignancies

Owen Willis1, Khalil Choucair2, Abdurahman Alloghbi1

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA.

Cancer Gene Therapy
|January 29, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Phosphoinositide kinases (PIKs) drive cancer by activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways. PIK3CA gene mutations are linked to solid tumor development and prognosis, with inhibitors showing therapeutic promise.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Genetics

Background:

  • Phosphoinositide kinases (PIKs) are crucial lipid kinases regulating oncogenic signaling pathways.
  • Hyperactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, through mutations or amplification, is vital for solid tumor development and progression.
  • Alterations in the PIK3CA gene are frequently observed in solid malignancies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of PIK3CA mutations in cancer.
  • To examine the impact of PIK3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors in solid tumors.
  • To analyze the association between PIK3CA alterations, clinico-pathological parameters, and patient prognosis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on PIK3CA mutations and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors.
  • Analysis of existing data on the prognostic value of PIK3CA in various cancers.
  • Examination of the link between genetic alterations and clinical outcomes.

Main Results:

  • PIK3CA mutations play a significant role in tumorigenesis by enhancing PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway signaling.
  • Despite some conflicting reports, PIK3CA alterations are generally associated with poor prognosis in solid cancers.
  • PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors are under investigation as therapeutic strategies for solid malignancies.

Conclusions:

  • PIK3CA mutations are key drivers in oncogenesis, impacting cancer progression and patient outcomes.
  • Targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway with inhibitors represents a promising therapeutic avenue for solid tumors.
  • Further research is warranted to clarify the prognostic implications of PIK3CA alterations and optimize inhibitor-based therapies.

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