Targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is the most common cause of mortality in U.S. women with gynecologic cancers. Without a successful screening strategy, most women present with advanced disease associated with a poor overall survival (OS) at 5 years despite high response rates to first line chemotherapy. Preclinical data points to the importance of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activation in ovarian cancer tumorigenesis. Strategies to inhibit specific kinases in this pathway have been successful in laboratory studies and preliminary clinical trials. This review highlights the rationale behind the use of PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors in clinical trials and thoroughly reviews the available therapeutic compounds and registered clinical trials to date. It outlines the importance of targeted clinical trials and the populations most likely to benefit from this strategy. It is with great anticipation that we await the results of the upcoming registered clinical trials and the opportunity to offer this novel therapeutic strategy to our patients with ovarian cancer.