Abstract: NVP-BEZ235, a novel dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, has exhibited significant anti-proliferative activity in a great variety of cancer types in vitro by inducing cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. Disappointingly, NVP-BEZ235 monotherapy have not yielded satisfactory results in preclinical models. However, compared with every single agent alone, improved anti-tumor activity can often be achieved when NVP-BEZ235 combined with other cancer therapeutics. In this regard, NVP-BEZ235 in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs may present a new therapeutic strategy.

Key words: NVP-BEZ235, Autophagy, Apoptosis, Combination chemotherapy, Neoplasms