The role of targeting mammalian target of rapamycin in lung cancer.

The expression of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) might be upregulated by various mechanisms in lung cancer pathogenesis, and its activity might be modulated by pathways related to tobacco-mediated carcinogenesis. Furthermore, preclinical data suggest an antitumor effect in lung cancer from a class of agents that antagonize the mTOR pathway. Consistent with this, initial clinical trials of mTOR inhibitors suggest some activity in the setting of both non-small-cell lung carcinoma and small-cell lung carcinoma. Herein, we explore the relationship of mTOR to lung carcinogenesis and further describe clinical trials of mTOR inhibitors alone and in combination with chemotherapeutic and targeted agents.