Targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway: potential for lung cancer treatment

The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is commonly activated in non-small-cell lung cancer. It plays important roles in promoting oncogenesis in lung cancer and mediating resistance to EGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Targeted agents against the components of this pathway are currently in development and their clinical benefits remain to be defined. This review provides an overview of the pathway dysregulation and novel agents targeting the pathway in lung cancer. In addition, potential predictive biomarkers guiding patient selection for targeted PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibition is also discussed.