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Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts
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Recent advances in PI3K/PKB/mTOR inhibitors as new anticancer agents

Maria Antonietta Occhiuzzi1, Gernando Lico1, Giuseppina Ioele1

  • 1Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy.

European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
|December 3, 2022
PubMed

Insights

The PI3K/PKB/mTOR pathway drives cancer by promoting cell proliferation. Inhibitors targeting this pathway, especially multi-target drugs, show promise for effective cancer treatment with limited resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The PI3K/PKB/mTOR signaling pathway is crucial for cell-cycle regulation.
  • Overactivation of this pathway contributes to cancer development by inhibiting apoptosis and promoting cell proliferation.
  • This pathway is a key therapeutic target for various cancers, including breast cancer and follicular lymphoma.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review small molecule drugs targeting the PI3K/PKB/mTOR signaling pathway.
  • To highlight the potential of these drugs as anticancer agents.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of small molecule inhibitors targeting the PI3K/PKB/mTOR pathway.
  • Analysis of drug efficacy and resistance profiles.

Main Results:

  • Several selective and non-selective inhibitors targeting the PI3K/PKB/mTOR pathway have been identified.
  • Multi-target inhibitors demonstrate greater efficiency, potency, and reduced drug resistance compared to single-target inhibitors.
  • These inhibitors represent promising drug candidates for cancer treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Small molecule drugs modulating the PI3K/PKB/mTOR pathway are valuable in cancer therapy.
  • Targeting this pathway offers a promising strategy for developing novel anticancer agents.
Keywords:
Cancer therapyDual inhibitorsProtein kinasesRapamycin

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