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Published on: September 30, 2016
PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway as a Target for Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Premila D Leiphrakpam1,2, Chandrakanth Are1,2
1Graduate Medical Education, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
Targeted therapies have advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment, but resistance necessitates understanding molecular pathways like PI3K/Akt/mTOR. This review explores PI3K/Akt/mTOR
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Pathway-specific targeted therapy has transformed colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment.
- Tumor heterogeneity in CRC often leads to treatment resistance.
- The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of the rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) pathway is frequently altered in CRC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in CRC.
- To discuss current PI3K/Akt/mTOR-targeted agents for CRC treatment.
- To highlight limitations and future directions in targeting this pathway for CRC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling in CRC.
- Analysis of clinical trial data for PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors in CRC.
- Synthesis of information on CRC molecular mechanisms and targeted therapies.
Main Results:
- Aberrant PI3K/Akt/mTOR activation drives CRC initiation, progression, and metastasis.
- This pathway is critical for the development of drug resistance in CRC.
- Several PI3K/Akt/mTOR-targeted agents are in clinical trials for CRC.
Conclusions:
- Understanding PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling is crucial for overcoming CRC treatment resistance.
- Targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway offers potential for novel CRC therapies.
- Further research is needed to optimize PI3K/Akt/mTOR-targeted agents and combination strategies for CRC.
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