Therapeutic Advances in Medical Oncology (Oct 2019)

Novel therapeutic avenues in triple-negative breast cancer: PI3K/AKT inhibition, androgen receptor blockade, and beyond

  • Jack J. Chan,
  • Tira J. Y. Tan,
  • Rebecca A. Dent

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/1758835919880429
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11

Abstract

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Multiomic analyses have shed light upon the molecular heterogeneity and complexity of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs). With increasing recognition that TNBC is not a single disease entity but encompasses different disease subtypes, a one-size-fits-all treatment paradigm has become obsolete. In this context, the inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) and androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathways have emerged as potential therapeutic strategies against selected tumors. In this paper, we reviewed the preclinical rationale, predictive biomarkers, efficacy, and safety data from early phase trials, and the future directions for these two biomarker-directed treatment approaches in TNBC.