Targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway

Abstract

The carcinogenesis is based on alterations of signal transduction pathways, which lead to uncontrolled cellular proliferation, survival, invasion, and metastases. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is crucial for normal human physiology and also frequently dysregulated in several human cancers, including breast cancer (BC). A number of clinical trials targeting this pathway are already underway in BC patients. The toxicity profile of this novel approach of pathway inhibition needs to be closely monitored, as the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway has an important physiological role. Here we present an overview of the existing relevant preclinical and clinical data and discuss the rationale for the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibition in the treatment of patients with breast cancer.