mTOR Pathway

At Novartis, we believe in our ability to change the way cancer is treated and Novartis scientists are leading the way in exploring the mTOR Pathway to do just that.

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an intracellular kinase that controls the production of proteins through its regulation of translational machinery. mTOR-activated proteins promote several hallmarks of cancer such as cell growth and proliferation, angiogenesis, and bioenergetics. Since mTOR acts as a neoplastic switch that is frequently turned on by many mutations found in cancer, inhibition of mTOR may offer a promising new strategy for cancer therapy. Given that the mTOR pathway is deregulated in a number of cancers, it is anticipated that mTOR inhibitors will have broad therapeutic application across many tumor types.

Why mTOR in Cancer?

• mTOR is an intracellular protein downstream of several other targets in cancer
• The mTOR pathway is frequently activated by mutations found in cancer
• mTOR regulates cancer cell growth and bioenergetics
• mTOR directs the supply of nutrients to cancer cells by regulating angiogenesis and nutrient uptake
• mTOR inhibition is a promising new strategy for cancer

At Novartis Oncology, we apply innovative thinking to the discovery of unique therapies that translate into practical solutions in the clinic—solutions that can profoundly impact the lives of cancer patients and their families. The advances we're uncovering in the area of mTOR Pathway research are just the latest example of this commitment to change the way cancer is treated.

Learn more about Novartis Oncology advances in mTOR Pathway Link at www.TargetmTOR.com