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A Protocol for Rapid Post-mortem Cell Culture of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma DIPG
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PIK3CA Mutations: Are They a Relevant Target in Adult Diffuse Gliomas?

Ana Tomás1,2, Marta Pojo1

  • 1Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG) E.P.E., 1099-023 Lisbon, Portugal.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|June 13, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Activating PIK3CA mutations in brain gliomas are linked to aggressive disease and poor prognosis. Targeting these mutations offers potential therapeutic strategies for glioma patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Gliomas are aggressive primary brain tumors with poor outcomes.
  • The PI3K/Akt pathway is crucial in cancer development, with PIK3CA mutations frequently observed.
  • Inconsistent PIK3CA mutation frequencies and unclear clinical impact in gliomas necessitate further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical relevance of PIK3CA mutations in various cancers, focusing on gliomas.
  • To elucidate the role of PIK3CA mutations in glioma diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response.
  • To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting PIK3CA mutations in glioma.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on PIK3CA mutations in cancer, particularly gliomas.
  • Analysis of current evidence regarding the impact of PIK3CA mutations on glioma characteristics.
  • Examination of therapeutic approaches targeting PIK3CA.

Main Results:

  • PIK3CA mutations are oncogenic and affect prognosis and treatment response in multiple cancers.
  • PIK3CA mutations in gliomas may be early events associated with worse glioblastoma prognosis, earlier recurrence, and widespread disease.
  • The hotspot mutation H1047R is linked to a more aggressive glioma phenotype and modulation of the neuronal microenvironment.

Conclusions:

  • PIK3CA mutations play a significant role in glioma development and progression.
  • Understanding PIK3CA alterations is critical for improving glioma diagnosis and prognosis.
  • Targeting PIK3CA mutations presents a promising therapeutic avenue for glioma treatment, despite existing challenges.
Keywords:
PI3K inhibitorsPI3K/Akt pathwayPIK3CA mutationsalpelisibcancer biomarkersglioblastomagliomatargeted therapy

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