Inhibition of PI3K and MEK: it is all about combinations and biomarkers.

Rexer, Brent N; Ghosh, Ritwik; Arteaga, Carlos L · Clin Cancer Res · 2009

editorial · Level V

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Abstract

A small molecule inhibitor of MAP/ERK kinase (MEK) was effective against human breast cancer cells with a basal-like gene expression signature. Antitumor activity was limited by both feedback upregulation of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/AKT upon inhibition of MEK as well as loss of the phosphatase PTEN. Therefore, MEK inhibitors should preferably be investigated in combination with PI3K inhibitors in basal-like breast cancers.

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