Improving PI3K Inhibitors for Cancers with PTEN Loss
Maximizing the Effectiveness of PI3K Inhibitors in the Treatment of Pten null Cancers
This work aims to make cancer treatments called PI3K inhibitors work better for people with tumors that have lost a protective gene called PTEN.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11169674 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We found that cancers missing the PTEN gene depend on a specific part of PI3K called p110β, which helps explain why earlier PI3K drugs didn't work well for these tumors. Now, new drugs targeting p110β are showing promise, and our work helps us understand why these tumors become resistant to treatment. We are identifying other targets that can be attacked alongside PI3K in PTEN-deficient tumors to improve treatment effectiveness. This involves looking at how certain proteins interact to activate p110β when PTEN is missing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for patients with cancers that have lost the PTEN tumor suppressor gene, such as certain breast cancers.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers do not involve the loss of the PTEN gene may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective treatments for cancers that have lost the PTEN gene, potentially overcoming drug resistance.
How similar studies have performed: Previous PI3K inhibitors failed in PTEN-null tumors, but newer p110β-specific compounds are now showing clinical promise, making this a novel approach building on past lessons.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Dana-Farber Cancer Inst — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roberts, Thomas M — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Roberts, Thomas M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.