A New Survey on the mTOR Inhibitors as Cancer Chemopreventive Agents

Abstract

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, which is critical for regulating cellular processes such as growth, metabolism, and survival, plays an important role in cancer development when dysregulated. mTOR inhibitors, notably rapamycin and its variants, have emerged as promising possibilities for cancer treatment and chemoprevention. This study focuses on the chemical characteristics of mTOR inhibitors and their potential utility in cancer chemoprevention. We investigate mTOR's function in cancer, assess the chemical structures of first- and second-generation mTOR inhibitors, describe their mode of action, and review preclinical and clinical data. In addition, we look at novel natural product-based inhibitors, dual inhibitors that target both PI3K and mTOR, and the hurdles of bringing these inhibitors to clinical usage.