Perspectives on mTOR inhibitors for castration-refractory prostate cancer

Curr Cancer Drug Targets. 2012 Oct;12(8):940-9. doi: 10.2174/156800912803251234.

Abstract

The phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway contributes to prostate cancer progression and transition to androgen-independent disease. Furthermore, recent microarray analysis demonstrates that this pathway is often deregulated during prostate cancer progression. Thus, targeting of PI3K/AKT/mTOR may present a promising therapy for castration-refractory prostate cancer (CRPC). In recent years, several interesting strategies have been developed that interfere with distinct components of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR cascade. This article discusses many of the mechanisms involved, specifically in the context of prostate cancer. In addition, we present an overview of preliminary data on the activity of mTOR inhibitors and on the key steps to evaluate which of these compounds are most suitable for the treatment of prostate cancer. Particular emphasis is also placed on the development of novel perspectives to improve the poor prognosis of patients with CRPC.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Orchiectomy
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / metabolism
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / surgery
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • MTOR protein, human
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases