Mechanisms of resistance to pi3k inhibitors in cancer: Adaptive responses, drug tolerance and cellular plasticity

Sarah Christine Elisabeth Wright, Natali Vasilevski, Violeta Serra, Jordi Rodon, Pieter Johan Adam Eichhorn

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

35 Scopus citations

Abstract

The phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K) pathway plays a central role in the regulation of several signalling cascades which regulate biological processes such as cellular growth, survival, proliferation, motility and angiogenesis. The hyperactivation of this pathway is linked to tumour progression and is one of the most common events in human cancers. Additionally, aberrant activation of the PI3K pathway has been demonstrated to limit the effectiveness of a number of antitumour agents paving the way for the development and implementation of PI3K inhibitors in the clinic. However, the overall effectiveness of these compounds has been greatly limited by inadequate target engagement due to reactivation of the pathway by compensatory mechanisms. Herein, we review the common adaptive responses that lead to reactivation of the PI3K pathway, therapy resistance and potential strategies to overcome these mechanisms of resistance. Furthermore, we highlight the potential role in changes in cellular plasticity and PI3K inhibitor resistance.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number1538
JournalCancers
Volume13
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2021

Keywords

  • Mechanisms of resistance
  • PI3K pathway
  • PI3K pathway inhibitors

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

MD Anderson CCSG core facilities

  • Clinical and Translational Research Center

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