Previous studies have indicated that the MEK/ERK pathway serves as the pivotal regulator in a variety of cell functions, including growth, proliferation, angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis.22, 31 The activation of mTOR causes protein synthesis, cell survival, motility, invasion, lymphangiogenesis and differentiation, which ultimately can lead to cancer initiation and progression.32, 33 It has been reported that the AKT/mTOR and MEK/ERK pathways participate in cross-talk in cancer cells. This evidence concerns the gene AKT1 and cancer.