The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway inhibitors enhance radiosensitivity in cancer cell lines

Introduction Radiotherapy is one of the most common types of cancer treatment modalities. Radiation can affect both cancer and normal tissues, which limits the whole delivered dose. It is well documented that radiation activates phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and AKT signaling pathway; hence, the inhibition of this pathway enhances the radiosensitivity of tumor cells. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a regulator that is involved in autophagy, cell growth, proliferation, and survival. Conclusion The inhibition of mTOR as a downstream mediator of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway represents a vital option for more effective cancer treatments. The combination of PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors with radiation can increase the radiosensitivity of malignant cells to radiation by autophagy activation. Therefore, this review aims to discuss the impact of such inhibitors on the cell response to radiation.

Automated summary

Radiotherapy is a common cancer treatment modality that can activate the PI3K and AKT signaling pathway to enhance tumor cell radiosensitivity. By inhibiting downstream mediators like mTOR, combined with radiation, can increase malignant cell radiosensitivity through autophagy activation.