MTOR and cancer: This was rather unexpected as AKT is a central part of the PI3K–AKT–mTOR pathway, which is frequently altered in cancer.50 In this context, it should be noted that HCT116 cells bear a H1047R mutation in the PIK3CA gene, which encodes the p110α catalytic subunit of PI3Ks.51 One explanation for the increased cell survival after AKT inhibition could be the concomitant induction of autophagy.