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Current State and Future Challenges for PI3K Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy

Marianna Sirico1, Alberto D'Angelo2,3, Caterina Gianni1

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", 47014 Meldola, Italy.

Cancers
|February 11, 2023
PubMed

Insights

The phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (AKT)-mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is crucial in cancer. Targeting this pathway shows promise, especially with combination therapies for improved cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Signal Transduction

Background:

  • The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is a critical signaling network involved in cellular functions.
  • Aberrant PI3K signaling is frequently observed in various cancers, making it a key therapeutic target.
  • Over 40 compounds targeting this pathway have undergone clinical trials for cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in understanding the PI3K pathway.
  • To discuss the current status of targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in clinical practice.
  • To identify future challenges and opportunities in targeting this pathway for cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent research on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
  • Analysis of clinical trial data for PI3K-targeting agents.
  • Discussion of combination therapy strategies in oncology.

Main Results:

  • The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is a central regulator of cell growth and survival, frequently dysregulated in cancer.
  • Numerous targeted therapies are in clinical development, demonstrating the pathway's therapeutic relevance.
  • Concurrent mutations in other signaling networks necessitate combination approaches for effective treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is a significant strategy in cancer therapy.
  • Combination therapies are essential due to the pathway's crosstalk with other oncogenic networks.
  • Further research is needed to overcome challenges and optimize therapeutic strategies for PI3K pathway inhibition.
Keywords:
PI3K inhibitorsclinical trialmutationstarget therapy

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