Targeting the PI3K–mTOR cell-growth pathway in cancer
Decoding and Targeting the PI3K-mTOR Signaling Network in Cancer
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · HARVARD UNIVERSITY D/B/A HARVARD SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH · NIH-11098493
Researchers are working to understand how a common cell-growth pathway (PI3K→mTOR) drives many cancers and to find points where new treatments could block it for patients.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | HARVARD UNIVERSITY D/B/A HARVARD SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11098493 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you have cancer, this research aims to explain how a common cell-growth pathway (PI3K→TSC→Rheb→mTORC1) becomes overactive and fuels tumor growth using lab-grown cells and new genetic mouse models. The team studies how cancer-promoting genes and tumor suppressors converge on this switch and how that rewires cell metabolism. Long-term funding has allowed development of new tools and methods to map weak points in the signaling network. Findings are intended to point drug developers to more precise targets that could slow or stop tumor growth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People whose tumors have known PI3K–mTOR pathway changes (for example certain breast, kidney, or TSC-related tumors) would be the most directly relevant population for future trials building on this work.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers unrelated to PI3K–mTOR signaling or those seeking immediate treatment options are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new drug targets or strategies to slow tumor growth across multiple cancer types.
How similar studies have performed: Existing drugs that target parts of the PI3K/mTOR pathway have shown some clinical benefit but often face resistance and side effects, so this work builds on prior successes while searching for more precise and durable targets.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- HARVARD UNIVERSITY D/B/A HARVARD SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MANNING, BRENDAN D. — HARVARD UNIVERSITY D/B/A HARVARD SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
- Study coordinator: MANNING, BRENDAN D.
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.
Conditions: Bourneville Disease, Bourneville syndrome, Bourneville-Brissaud disease, Bourneville-Pringle syndrome, Cancer Genes