Research update on the anticancer effects of buparlisib

Buparlisib is a highly efficient and selective PI3K inhibitor and a member of the 2,6-dimorpholinopyrimidine-derived family of compounds. It selectively inhibits four isomers of PI3K, PI3Kα, PI3Kβ, PI3Kγ and PI3Kδ, by competitively binding the lipid kinase domain on adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), and serves an important role in inhibiting proliferation, promoting apoptosis and blocking angiogenesis, predominantly by antagonizing the PI3K/AKT pathway. Buparlisib has been confirmed to have a clinical effect in patients with solid tumors and hematological malignancies. A global, phase II clinical trial with buparlisib and paclitaxel in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma has now been completed, with a manageable safety profile. Buparlisib currently has fast-track status with the United States Food and Drug Administration. The present review examined the biochemical structure, pharmacokinetic characteristics, preclinical data and ongoing clinical studies of buparlisib. The various mechanisms of influence of buparlisib in tumors, particularly in preclinical research, were summarized, providing a theoretical basis and direction for basic research on and clinical treatment with buparlisib.