The PI3K/Akt pathway is a crucial signaling pathway in cells that helps regulate various cellular functions, including growth, survival, and metabolism. It is activated by various growth factors and hormones, leading to the activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), which then activates Akt, a protein kinase that promotes cell survival and growth. This pathway plays a significant role in cancer development, as its dysregulation can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation and resistance to apoptosis (programmed cell death). Understanding the PI3K/Akt pathway is essential for developing targeted therapies in cancer treatment and other diseases related to cell growth and survival.