PI3K/AKT/mTOR Axis in Cancer: From Pathogenesis to Treatment

The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis is a pivotal regulator of key cellular functions, including proliferation, metabolism, survival, and immune modulation. In cancer, its dysregulation drives malignant transformation, tumor progression, therapeutic resistance, and immune evasion. Despite numerous studies, an integrated understanding of this pathway's multifaceted role in tumor biology and treatment remains incomplete. This review comprehensively outlines the oncogenic mechanisms governed by the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, including its regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, autophagy, apoptosis, glycolysis, ferroptosis, and lipid metabolism. We emphasize the dual role of autophagy, its interplay with…