Overcoming endocrine resistance due to reduced PTEN levels in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer by co-targeting mammalian target of rapamycin, protein kinase B, or mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase

Conclusions:
Moderate reduction in PTEN, without complete loss, can activate the PI3K pathway to cause endocrine resistance in ER-positive breast cancer, which can be overcome by combining endocrine therapy with inhibitors of the PI3K pathway. Our data suggests that the ER degrader fulvestrant, to block both ligand-dependent and -independent ER signaling, combined with an AKT inhibitor is an effective strategy to test in patients.

Source: Breast Cancer Research - September 11, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Xiaoyong FuChad CreightonNrusingh BiswalVijetha KumarMartin SheaSabrina HerreraAlejandro ContrerasCarolina GutierrezTao WangSarmistha NandaMario GiulianoGladys MorrisonAgostina NardoneKristen KarlinThomas WestbrookLaura HeiserPavana AnurPaul SpellmanSylvi Source Type: research