Role of the Akt pathway in prostate cancer

The Akt pathway, or more accurately, network, has assumed increasing importance with the understanding that it represents a key role in cancer cell survival and proliferation. Intense efforts to target proteins and enzymes within this pathway with highly selective compounds have led to the development of diverse agents now in Phase I – III clinical trials. Moreover, the notion that exploitation of multiple “druggable” targets simultaneously or in the appropriate sequence may provide better anti-tumour effects than single drugs hold promise that chemoresistance may be overcome, at least in part. This paper reviews important aspects of the Akt network, with a particular focus on prostate cancer biology.