The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway as a therapeutic target in ovarian cancer

The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway plays a critical role in the malignant transformation of human tumors and their subsequent growth, proliferation, and metastasis. Preclinical investigations have suggested that the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is frequently activated in ovarian cancer, especially in clear cell carcinoma and endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Thus, this pathway is regarded as an attractive candidate for therapeutic interventions, and inhibitors targeting different components of this pathway are in various stages of clinical development. Here, we highlight the recent progress that has been made in our understanding of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and discuss the potential of therapeutic agents that target this pathway as treatments for ovarian cancer and the obstacles to their development.