A targeted approach to phosphoinositide-3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin-induced hyperglycemia

Abstract

Phosphoinositide-3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) pathway inhibitors are a novel class of antineoplastic agent available for the treatment of various cancers. With improved cancer outcomes and survival, individuals are exposed to these antineoplastic therapies for longer periods of time and therefore, the consideration of adverse effects is of increasing importance. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway plays a critical role in regulating cellular processes such as growth and proliferation, but also regulates the metabolic effects of insulin such as glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis. Therefore, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance are frequently reported adverse effects. There are no recent consensus guidelines on the management of hyperglycemia secondary to PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors, with the latest guidelines produced in 2012 – when many of these agents were still undergoing development. As we now have a greater understanding of the underlying mechanisms and patterns in which hyperglycemia is induced and access to an increasing array of glucose-lowering agents, an update of the previous guidelines accommodating these understandings and developments is timely. This review will provide a comprehensive summary of the current literature with regards to the incidence of hyperglycemia associated with each agent, as well as the different pathways and mechanisms in which hyperglycemia is induced. Our proposed up-to-date strategy for the specific management of PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitor-induced hyperglycemia will also aim to facilitate management of this complex oncological population.