PI3 kinase/AKT pathway as a therapeutic target in multiple myeloma.

Abstract

The development of novel therapies for multiple myeloma depends on a comprehensive understanding of the events leading to cellular proliferation and survival. Controlling pathways that regulate growth signals is an emerging and complementary approach to myeloma treatment. The PI3K/Akt pathway is a central gatekeeper for crucial cellular functions including adhesion, angiogenesis, migration and development of drug resistance. Established proteins and genes such as mTOR, p53, NF-kappaB and BAD are all regulated through PI3K and Akt activation, making them attractive targets for broad downstream effects. Direct PI3K inhibition has demonstrated impressive tumor inhibition and regression in cell-line and animal models, and multiple agents including SF1126 are currently in clinical trials. Drugs such as perifosine that are specific for Akt are also in development. Combinations of these agents with existing therapies are rational approaches on the path to improving myeloma treatment.

• Authors: R Donald Harvey, Sagar Lonial
• Journal: Future oncology (London, England) (Future Oncol) Vol. 3 Issue 6 Pg. 639-47 (Dec 2007) ISSN: 1744-8301 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 18041916 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents
• Phosphoinositide-3 Kinase Inhibitors
• Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt

Topics

• Animals
• Antineoplastic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Humans
• Multiple Myeloma (drug therapy, metabolism)
• Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases (metabolism)
• Phosphoinositide-3 Kinase Inhibitors
• Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt (antagonists & inhibitors, metabolism)
• Signal Transduction (drug effects)