Targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway--beyond Rapalogs

Overview

Journal Oncotarget

Specialty Oncology

Date 2011 Feb 15

PMID 21317449

Citations 180

Authors

Ben Markman

Rodrigo Dienstmann

Josep Tabernero

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

It is well established that the PI3K pathway plays a central role in various cellular processes that can contribute to the malignant phenotype. Accordingly, pharmacological inhibition of key nodes in this signaling cascade has been a focus in developmental therapeutics. To date, agents targeting upstream receptor tyrosine kinases are best studied and have achieved greatest clinical success. Further downstream, despite efficacy in certain tumor types, the rapalogs have been somewhat disappointing in the clinic. Novel inhibitors of PI3K, Akt, and mTORC1 and 2 are now passing through early phase clinical trials. It is hoped that these agents will circumvent some of the shortcomings of the rapalogs and lead to meaningful benefits for cancer patients.

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