Molecular pathways: targeting phosphoinositide 3-kinase p110-delta in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Clin Cancer Res. 2012 Aug 1;18(15):4013-8. doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-11-1402. Epub 2012 Jun 18.

Abstract

The advent of targeted therapy, specifically to the B-cell receptor (BCR), has changed the convention for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, activated upstream by the BCR, receptor tyrosine kinases, and cytokine receptors, has been a potential target for a multitude of cancers, but until the recent introduction of isoform-specific inhibitors has not been widely used. In this review, we focus on describing the intricate upstream and downstream signaling, leading to cell survival mediated by PI3K in B cells with a specific focus on the impact and importance of the p110δ isoform (which is localized to hematopoietic cells and regulates distinct cellular functions in B cells). In addition, the clinical advances from targeting p110δ are described, with a focus on clinical outcome, toxicities, and rational combination therapies. The experiences with p110δ in CLL have led to a more fundamental understanding of CLL signaling defects and may be predictive of other BCR-directed therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Class Ia Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase / metabolism
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / drug therapy*
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / metabolism
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / pathology
  • Phosphoinositide-3 Kinase Inhibitors*
  • Purines / pharmacology
  • Purines / therapeutic use*
  • Quinazolinones / pharmacology
  • Quinazolinones / therapeutic use*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Phosphoinositide-3 Kinase Inhibitors
  • Purines
  • Quinazolinones
  • Class Ia Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase
  • idelalisib